Stanwood-area residents advised to boil water

Published 10:54 pm Friday, August 1, 2008

A boil water advisory continues in effect for 21 Stanwood-area homes that are part of the Vista Glen water system. E. coli, a bacterium that can make people seriously ill, has been confirmed in samples taken from the water system, Carolyn Cox, a state Department of Health spokeswoman said Friday.

The state agency says people should boil their water for three to five minutes before drinking it or using it to brush their teeth or prepare food.

The advisory was first issued July 28. Some residents were confused about whether it still remained in effect, Cox said.

The water system serves residents near Kayak Point south of Stanwood and is operated by Iliad Inc., she said.