H2O Hazard: Boil Water Emergency Grips Beaver County, Affecting Thousands

Beaver County, PA – A boil water advisory has been issued for all of Beaver County, affecting approximately 160,000 residents, after high levels of E. coli bacteria were detected in the county’s water supply. Officials are urging residents to boil their water before consuming it or using it to brush their teeth, wash dishes, or prepare food.

The advisory was issued on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, after routine water testing conducted by the Beaver County Water Authority (BCWA) detected the presence of E. coli bacteria in the county’s water supply. The BCWA is working with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to identify the source of the contamination and take steps to correct the problem.

In the meantime, residents are being advised to boil their water for at least one minute before using it for any purpose. Boiling water kills bacteria, including E. coli. Residents can also use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and other purposes.

The BCWA is distributing free bottled water to residents at several locations throughout the county. A list of distribution sites can be found on the BCWA’s website.

The boil water advisory is expected to remain in effect until further notice. The BCWA will continue to test the water supply and will notify residents when the advisory is lifted.

For more information, please visit the BCWA’s website or call the BCWA’s customer service line at 724-775-4600.

What is E. coli?

E. coli is a type of bacteria that can cause a variety of illnesses, including diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, E. coli can also cause more serious illnesses, such as kidney failure and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

E. coli is typically spread through contact with contaminated water or food. It can also be spread from person to person through contact with an infected person’s feces.

Symptoms of E. coli infection typically develop within 3 to 4 days after exposure to the bacteria. The illness usually lasts for 5 to 7 days.

How to prevent E. coli infection

There are a number of things you can do to prevent E. coli infection, including:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or handling raw meat.
Cook meat thoroughly to kill bacteria.
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them.
Avoid drinking untreated water.
Get vaccinated against E. coli.

What to do if you have symptoms of E. coli infection

If you have symptoms of E. coli infection, such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting, it is important to see a doctor right away. Treatment for E. coli infection typically involves antibiotics and supportive care.

Most people who get E. coli infection recover quickly and completely. However, in some cases, E. coli infection can lead to serious complications, such as kidney failure and HUS. If you have any of the following symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately:

Bloody diarrhea
Vomiting that lasts for more than 24 hours
Diarrhea that lasts for more than 3 days
Fever
Abdominal pain that is severe or does not go away

Conclusion

There are a number of things you can do to prevent E. coli infection, including washing your hands frequently, cooking meat thoroughly, washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly, avoiding drinking untreated water, and getting vaccinated against E. coli.

If you have symptoms of E. coli infection, it is important to see a doctor right away. Treatment for E. coli infection typically involves antibiotics and supportive care.