HASTINGS, Minn. - The City of Hastings released a water advisory to residents on Saturday after discovering E. coli bacteria in a section of their public water system.
According to the city, only certain areas in Hasting should follow the advisory, which states that residents should not drink the tap water without boiling it first, or they should seek an alternative source, such as bottled water.
The advisory reports that the water may have been contaminated with animal or human waste and when digested, the bacteria could cause short-term health risks, such as headaches, diarrhea, nausea or cramps. However, there is a special health risk for young children, elderly people and those with compromised immune systems.
Although the city has not confirmed how the water was contaminated, they are working with the Minnesota Department of Health to resolved the issue and have created a map to help residents check to see if their area was affected.
The City of Hasting plans to treat the water with chlorine to help disinfect the system beginning Sept. 22 until Sept. 23, and report that the water should be drinkable in three to five days.
When the city treats the system with chlorine, however, they warn residents not to be alarmed by the discoloration in the water, as it is an effect of the chemical's reaction with the iron and magnesium in the pipes and is safe to drink.
