On Monday, Sept. 23, less than 15 miles away from Moscow, the City of Troy issued a boil order due to finding traces of E. coli in the city’s water supply. The order required Troy residents to boil water for a minute before use or use bottled water for everyday usage.
After two consecutive days of testing, the order was lifted on Wednesday, Sept. 25, after rigorous testing occurred on the main wells and tanks.
The city says that E. coli was found due to routine random checks of the water supply. Due to the danger it posed for infants, children, elders and immunocompromised individuals, all drinking water was considered a risk.
The city assures residents that the E. coli was not found in wells or tanks but was found through random tests in the distribution system.
Contamination can occur during heavy weather scenarios that may break pipes and induce treatment malfunctions. Finding E. coli suggests human or animal waste had made into the water.
Troy residents are now able to drink city water without fear, though those at risk are encouraged to reach out to healthcare provides if they face any worrying symptoms.
Victoria Kingsmore can be reached at [email protected].