Water Authority Issues Boil Advisory for Kent County Residents

Published Sept. 22 at 4:17 p.m., updated 7:58 p.m.

Update - 7:58 p.m.: Coventry Public Schools Superintendent Michael Almedia issued the follow note to the school community in regards to the water advisory:

The Kent County Water Authority issued a boil water advisory for Kent
County residents. Schools are open tomorrow. Our administrative team is taking necessary precautions at this time. 

Water fountains will be shut off at schools tomorrow. Bottled water is being delivered for drinking. Aramark, our food service provider, is making necessary arrangements for our lunch program.

4:17 p.m.: The Kent County Water Authority has issued a water-boil advisory for its Kent County customers, effective immediately.

The Authority announced Sunday afternoon that tests taken from a single tank were found to contain an unsafe level of E. Coli bacteria.

A KCWA spokesperson said the tank has been removed from the system and more tests will be conducted until the Department of Health deems the water safe and lifts the advisory.

Tim Brown, authority director, advised all customers to boil their water for at least one minute before drinking. The advice also pertains to bath water used for infants.

According to Brown, several communities are unaffected by the contamination, including the Oaklawn area of Cranston and Brookfield Plat of West Warwick. The Patowomack section of Warwick, where Kent Hospital is located, is also affected.

26,000 residents are serviced through the Kent County Water Authority. 

The Department of Health says symptoms of drinking contaminated water include cramping and nausea.