Breaking news: Town lifts boil water order

Below is an updated notice from the town regarding the recent boil water order:

As of 4 p.m. on Monday, October 3, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has lifted the boil water order in Canton.

The town, late this afternoon, received written authorization to lift any water use restriction. This state approval was granted as a result of numerous water quality samples taken in Canton that met or exceeded stringent public drinking water standards. All residential and commercial water customers can use the town’s water without restriction, with the exception of restaurants and food service providers.

The town wishes to extend its sincere thanks and appreciation for the public’s patience and understanding. All town response efforts, including early public notification, have been guided by ensuring the public’s health and safety.

Please share this important information with your friends and neighbors.

Should you need further information, please contact our water division by calling 781-821-5017.

All restaurant and other food service businesses must contact the Canton Health Department at 781-821-5021 on Tuesday, October 4, at 8 a.m. and receive a response with the Board of Health’s approval before returning to normal tap water use.

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Selectmen on Tuesday night announced that an emergency boil-water order had been issued by state health officials for all residents in the town of Canton. Town officials were notified on Tuesday afternoon that a water sample taken off Cedar Street near the Marshall Paper Tube Company had tested positive for E. coli, a potentially harmful bacteria.

The town was hoping to lift the order within 24 to 72 hours, pending more testing. Town officials alerted residents Tuesday evening via a reverse 911 call and will send out a follow-up call when the order has been lifted.

Canton water and health officials warned residents not to consume the water without boiling it first for one minute. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation. The town has begun flushing all water mains and was in the process of chlorinating the system.

The cause of the problem was unknown as of Tuesday night, although earlier that same day, a similar order was issued for the town of Burlington. Marcis Kempe of the Mass. Water Resources Authority (MWRA) told selectmen that this is the time of year when such cases occur. Generally, bacterial contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source following heavy rains. It can also happen due to a break in the distribution system or a failure in the water treatment process.

Ironically, the town will open a major water treatment plant off Neponset Street later next month. Selectmen Chairman John Connolly said this situation would not have occurred with two water treatment plants online. The town has a secondary treatment plant off Pecunit Street.

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Posted by Mike Berger on Sep 27 2011. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.