Boil Order Issued for Richmond And Hopkinton

The Rhode Island Department of Health has issued a boil order for Richmond and Hopkinton.

"A precautionary boil water advisory is issued due to the presence of an unsafe condition," the department said in a media release. "The Town of Richmond determined that an adequate sanitary seal was not being maintained on its Kingstown Road storage tank. This can allow bacteria to enter the system."

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Testing found no E. coli in the water system or the water system sources but a "group of bacteria called total coliforms was present," according to the release.

"These bacteria exist naturally in the environment and are not harmful to humans, but can indicate the presence of other pathogens," the release said.

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About 2,796 residents are served by the two town water systems, the department said.

"All water used for consumption should be boiled vigorously for at least one minute," the release said.

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"This recommendation pertains to water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation. Alternatively, consumers can use bottled water," according to the release. "Infants and young children should not be bathed in this water because they may swallow it accidentally. Anyone else using this water for bathing or showering should be careful to avoid swallowing the water."

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