Boil Water Advisory Hits Tiverton After Water Main Break
The Rhode Island Department of Health and Stone Bridge Fire District Water Department issued a critical boil water advisory Friday evening after a significant water main break on Bulgarmarsh Road potentially exposed local water supplies to harmful bacteria.
The advisory immediately impacts residents in multiple areas, including Quintal Drive to Bulgarmarsh Road and all side streets, as well as the intersection of Bulgarmarsh Road and Main Road with Carey Lane and their side streets. Authorities confirmed the break may have released fecal coliform and E. coli bacteria into the water, raising serious health concerns.
What Tiverton Residents Need to Know Now
While the water main has already been repaired and disinfectant levels increased, officials warn the advisory will remain in place until laboratory tests confirm that water samples are bacteria-free. This testing is expected to take about three days.
Residents are instructed to boil all tap water for at least one minute before consuming or using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, making ice, or washing dishes. Alternatively, bottled water from licensed suppliers is recommended. Showering and hand washing with unboiled water remain safe, but ingestion without boiling is strongly discouraged.
“You are hereby advised not to drink the water without boiling it first,” the official advisory states.
Authorities urge residents to closely supervise young children when using tap water and to share this vital information with neighbors, schools, nursing homes, and local businesses that may not have received direct notification. The town activated its CODE RED Community notification system to spread the alert, with a call to register for future emergency updates at https://accountportal.onsolve.net/tivertonri.
Health Risks and Symptoms to Watch For
The presence of fecal coliform and E. coli bacteria can indicate contamination by human or animal waste, which can cause symptoms including diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and headaches. Those at higher risk—such as infants, young children, and immunocompromised individuals—should consult health care providers immediately about water consumption precautions.
If residents experience persistent symptoms potentially related to contaminated water, medical advice is strongly recommended.
Local Officials Provide Key Contact and Ongoing Updates
For questions or concerns, residents may contact Carl Destremps at 401-625-1502. Official updates will continue as testing progresses with the health advisory expected to lift once safe water quality is confirmed.
This break and contamination risk serve as a stark reminder of aging infrastructure vulnerabilities in municipal water systems and the importance of immediate action to protect public health.
What’s Next for Tiverton Water Users
Until the advisory is lifted, expect ongoing monitoring and occasional water testing reports from the Rhode Island Department of Health. All residents in the affected zones must adhere strictly to the boil water instructions to safeguard themselves and their families.
Stay tuned to local alerts and community notifications for further developing information. This is a situation evolving right now with health and safety as the top priority for all Tiverton residents.
