City of Hastings issues boil water advisory after detecting E. coli bacteria
HASTINGS, Minn. (KMSP) - UPDATE: As of Sunday night, city staff has completed the chlorination process and flushed all the lines so water lines are free from chlorine. Then, MN Dept of Health officials took new water samples in various locations in the affected area. The city is now awaiting test results, which can take 18-24 hours.
It is unknown if the boil water advisory will be lifted at that time. The city will notify the public as soon as they are able via this website, our social media sites and in local media outlets.
Hastings, Minnesota has issued a boil water advisory to its residents after detecting E. coli bacteria in a section of the city’s public water system.
The advisory was issued Saturday and includes a map of the city that shows where possible contaminated water could exist.
“Do not drink water before boiling it, or use a safe alternative source,” the Hastings city website reads.
It calls on residents to bring all water to a full, rolling boil for one minute or longer and to let it cool before using. Bottled water is another alternative option for residents.
According to the advisory, E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in the waste can cause short-term effects like diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches and more. Infants, young children and some elderly people with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to the effects of E. coli.
If you experience any of these symptoms and they continue, the city is urging you to seek medical advice.
From the city of Hastings:
E. coli bacteria were found in a section of the City of Hastings water system. Bacterial contamination may occur for a wide variety of reasons. The MN Department of Health and the City of Hastings are working together to try to identify the cause of the positive results. We will be adding chlorine to the affected section of the City water system to disinfect the system beginning on Saturday, Sep. 22 through Sunday, Sep. 23. We will inform you when tests show no coliform bacteria and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving problem within 3-5 days.
Hastings also announced it would be adding chlorine to the affected area through Sunday, which they hope will disinfect the water.
Consumers should let water run for a few minutes to flush their plumbing before use.