Peninsula Daily News news services
POTLATCH — Owners of private wells and small water systems on the western shores of Hood Canal should have their water tested for E.coli following reports of three contaminated public water systems in the area in the past two weeks, state Department of Health officials said.
The coliform bacteria contamination may have been caused by recent heavy rains and it’s likely more wells, especially older, poorly built ones, are contaminated, health officials said.
The three water systems currently under boiled water advisories are Potlatch Beach Mutual, Canal Mutual and Minverva Terrace.
Some 160 homes and businesses are affected.
The affected area is within 2,000 feet of the western shore of Hood Canal from the north Mason County line to the intersection of U.S. Highway 101 and State Route 106, according to the health department.
It is rare to find E.coli in several nearby well at the same time, noted Clark Halvorson, manager of southwest regional operations for the health department’s office of drinking water.
“Our staff believes runoff from the unusually heavy rains early this month allowed contaminated water to seep into the water table, which may have contributed to some of the problems,” Halvorson said.
There have been no reports of illnesses from users of the three water systems.
The health advisory in place urges customers of the three water systems to use boiled or bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, preparing food, dishwashing and making ice.
Tap water should be brought to a roiling boil for one minute and allowed to cool before use.
Owners of private wells and small water systems can call the Mason County Health Department at 360-427-9670, ext. 400 for information on where to pick up and drop off sample water bottles.
More information is available at the county website at www.co.mason.wa.us/health/envhealth/water_lab/index.php.
