MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A boil-water notice has been lifted for about 10,000 water customers in Batesville and Panola County, Mississippi. The notice was initially issued on Friday.
Water sampling showed there is E. coli and coliform bacteria in the City of Batesville water supply, the Mississippi Department of Health said.
Officials recommend boiling water for one minute before drinking it. Officials also say not to use ice made with the water or drinks made with the water. They recommend brushing teeth with boiled or bottled water.
The alert will last for the next two days.
Fecal coliforms and E. coli are bacteria indicates the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes, the state said. Microbes can cause short-term effects such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms.
Liz Sharlot, director of communications for Mississippi State Department of Health, said one of the five samples pulled by the city’s water department posed a serious health risk. More testing will be done over the weekend.
If no further problems are found, the notice will be lifted, she said. If further problems are found, the city’s water department will begin looking for the possible source.