Boil Order Issued For Portion Of Bergen County After E. Coli Detected

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A boil water advisory has been issued for Veolia customers across seven Bergen County towns in response to an E. coli, or fecal coliform, positive sample result in the water distribution system, the company said Friday.

Veolia said the affected households are in the Fairview, Cliffside Park, Ridgefield, Edgewater, Fort Lee, Palisades Park and Leonia neighborhoods, the company said.

Samples of water taken and tested by Veolia this week showed contamination with E. coli, a bacteria found in human or animal waste; this followed a break in a main water line Monday that was fixed the next day.

Bacterial contamination can come from run-off entering a drinking water source, such as during heavy rain.

E. coli bacteria can cause short-term side effects, such as diarrhea, cramps or nausea, and pose a greater health risk for those with weakened immune systems.

"Veolia is continuously monitoring and testing the system and we will inform you as soon as the boil water advisory is lifted," the company said. "We anticipate resolving the problem within the next few days."

For more information, please call a customer service representative at (800) 422-5987 or email csnj@veolia.com.