Coconino County Public Health Services District officials were made aware of the presence of E. coli bacteria in the Doney Park Water Company supply. On Sunday, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality notified officials of the confirmed contamination.
The company has stated, through a flier issued to residents, that it tested water samples in the system per the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). One of the tests came back as a double positive.
Residents are advised to avoid drinking water unless it has been boiled. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation until further notice. Residents are advised to bring all water to a boil for at least three minutes and cool before using or use bottled water.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), E. coli can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness, bloodstream infections and other illnesses. The types of E. coli that can cause illness can be transmitted through contaminated water or food, or through contact with animals or people.
If people have diarrhea that lasts for more than 3 days, or is accompanied by high fever, blood in the stool, or so much vomiting that they cannot keep liquids down and you pass very little urine, they are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider.
According to Doney Park Water, they have begun flushing the water system to remove the bacteria and will inform residents when they have done so and they have lifted the water boil advisory.
Coconino County Public Health Services District officials are working with Doney Park Water to help inform residents of any further risk to the water system.