PORTLAND, OR (KPTV) -
The boil water advisory for Portland Water Bureau residents and businesses west of the Willamette River has been lifted. The announcement was made just before 8:00 a.m. today.
The water in Reservoir 3 at Washington Park had initially tested positive for bacteria E. coli and coliform last Thursday. Further test results prompted the public advisory to go into effect yesterday.
Follow-up testing of the water has shown the absence of bacterial contamination. Still, as a precaution, the reservoir is being drained and will be inspected. The source of the contamination is unknown, and is under investigation.
Though the boil water advisory is over, Bureau officials recommend flushing your taps for a couple of minutes, or until the water runs cold, before consuming it for the first time.
Symptoms of ingestion of the bacteria include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and headaches. Infants, young children and some elderly people may experience further complications.
Customers of the Portland Water Bureau west of the Willamette River were affected. Customers of Burlington Water District, Valley View Water District, Palatine Hills Water District, City of Tigard, Lake Grove Water District, and West Slope Water District were also affected.
For more information and updates, visit www.portlandoregon.gov/water, or call the Water Line, at 503-823-7770.
Copyright 2012 KPTV (Meredith Corporation.) All rights reserved.
