Following the discovery of harmful E. coli bacteria in water, a boil-water advisory was issued by Washington Water Service Company for some customers of the Sea Cliff Estates Water System in Pierce County.

The E. coli bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness were found in routine water quality monitoring samples.

The Department of Health has recommended the residents recommends to boil tap water before drinking, brushing teeth, preparing food, making ice, and washing dishes in order to kill it. Water should be heated to a brisk boil for one minute and allowed to cool before use.

The water system is owned by Washington Water Service Company and a few miles northeast of Gig Harbor. It serves about 2,363 people (910 homes). The service company is working closely with the Department of Health to track down the source of contamination.

Customers in zones not affected by the boil water advisory will not receive boil water notices. However, they may visit the water services' website for more information.

In order to lift the advisory, Health Department requires two consecutive tests with no contamination. Clinton City officials stated Sunday that new test results are anticipated Monday. But since each test requires 24 hours to complete, the boil advisory will be in effect for at least a few more days.

Customers in zones not affected by the boil water advisory (those whose homes are north of Point Richmond Drive NW and Hallstrom Dr NW) will not receive boil water notices but may visit the water services' website for more information.

More details on the order can be found on the city’s website, and up-to-the-minute information is available on Syracuse city’s Facebook page.