The state has issued a boil water alert for some customers served by the Northwest Kemper Water Association after finding Coliform and E. coli. 

The discovery of Coliform and E. coli. bacteria in the Northwest Kemper Water Association #2 and #3 affects 1,502 customers, according to a state press release.

The Mississippi State Department of Health strongly recommends all water in these areas, covering Cleveland and Kynard, vigorously boil their water for at least one minute before consumption over the next two days. Water system officials will be notified immediately when the state lifts the alert.

The release said the Environmental Protection Agency set drinking water stands and considers the presence of E. coli to be a serious health concern. 

“Fecal coliforms and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes,” the release said. “Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term effects such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children and people with severely compromised immune systems.” (Emphasis in release.)

Generally, this presence stems from a problem with the treatment process or the water distribution pipes, the release said. 

The department of health has the following checklist for safe water use:

The department also notes that properly chlorinated water in swimming pools is safe and fish in aquariums are not affected.

When the state lifts the boil water alert, it recommends that homeowners flush faucets for a total of 10 minutes, running the water during that duration to ensure a clear line. 

The state also has the following recommendations following the end of the boil water notice:

For more information call Karen Walters, with the department’s Bureau of Public Water Supply at (601) 576-7518. After hours, call (769) 798-4258 and for epidemiology help call the epidemiology hotline at (601) 576-7400.