Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PLYMOUTH, Box Elder County — Residents here have been advised not to drink the water after E. coli was detected in the water supply.
- E. coli bacteria is found in intestines of healthy people and animals. Most strains are harmless, but some cause major discomfort
- Symptoms of infection begin 3-4 days after exposure and include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea and vomiting
- One can contract E. coli from contaminated food and water, undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized milk, fresh produce, and personal contact
Plymouth Mayor Hal Mason said the health department advised him Friday that E. coli, a bacteria often found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms, was found in the water.
Residents have been advised to boil their water as a precaution.
In the meantime, the water system was flushed and chlorine levels were increased, Mason said. New samples were taken Friday evening, and test results will be available Saturday.
It is believed the water may have been contaminated through a break in the water line, but it is still under investigation.