Boil Water Notice For Some Foxborough Residents; How To Get Free Water

This story was updated at 1:18 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 12.

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The town of Mansfield issued a boil water order notice on Sunday, and it will include some homes and residences across the Foxborough line.

E. Coli bacteria was found in Mansfield drinking water, which resulted in the town issuing a boil water order "until further notice." For the order to be lifted, the town must receive three negative daily tests of their drinking water supply, according to officials.

This will also affect some Foxborough residents, but only those who are on the Mansfield water line. Town officials released a list of streets and residences impacted, which include:

• E. Belcher Road from the Landfill to Spring Street
• Spring Street from E. Belcher Road to the Mansfield Town Line
• Souza Avenue
• Barros Lane
• 131 Morse Street

According to Mansfield officials, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection requires the town to test twice monthly for bacteria levels in wells, raw water and finish water that goes into the drinking water system. The most recent test results were given to the town on Friday, when the bacteria was found at the Albertini Water Treatment Facility.

A boil order, the town said, is only required a confirmatory sampling of the water, which was conducted on Saturday night.

So what does this mean?

Town residents shouldn't drink the water, but it is ok to use it in other ways, such as showering, doing laundry and washing your hands.

As for drinking water, the town is hosting a free water handout station for Mansfield residents, and those from Foxborough who can confirm residency in the affected area, at the DPW Complex at 500 East St. The hours for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The town also distributed packs of water to all affected customers, according to Communications & Civic Engagement Specialist Christina Metcalf.