PUTNEY - Town officials lifted a boil water order today that was issued on Aug. 17.

The order was issued after tests on Aug. 14 and Aug. 16 revealed total coliform bacteria in the water supply.

"We have completed water quality sampling to resolve the problem," stated a press release issued earlier today.

"If you have shut off or not used fixtures, water fountains, ice machines and/or other equipment over the past week, run the fixture or device until there is a change in water temperature before using it," stated the release.

Though the level of risk was very low, town officials urged residents who are hooked up to the town water system to boil the water prior to consuming it.

Town officials stressed that the bacteria found was not E. Coli.

Bacterial contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source, for example following heavy rains. It can also happen due to a break in the distribution system (pipes) or a failure in the water treatment process. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

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