Update | Latest test results clear, though potential E. coli illness reported

Published 12:50 pm Sunday, October 5, 2014

The City of Mercer Island announced Sunday that the latest test results from water samples collected Saturday have been analyzed and are clear: all 18 of the samples revealed no presence of E. coli or total coliform. This includes seven samples collected with permission from residential properties.

Sunday’s test results mark the third day of samples free of contamination. However, the boil-water advisory is still in place.

This morning, Seattle & King County Public Health reported a Mercer Island child may have been infected with E. coli, though the child has not been hospitalized. In a press release, the city reported with lab tests pending, it is not possible to say whether there is any link to Mercer Island water.

The city and state’s Department of Health continue to review implementation of the response plan and water quality test results in order to determine the earliest that the boil-water advisory can be lifted safely.

Mercer Island School District plans to continue a regular school schedule using “heat and eat” food and special water procedures, approved by Seattle & King County Public Health. Unless otherwise notified, parents should visit the school’s website at www.mercerislandschools.org for the latest information.

City and Seattle Public Utility crews continue to implement a response plan, which includes ongoing chlorine injections, inspections of vaults, and targeted flushing of water lines. All agencies involved in the incident  are enacting the next stage of an extensive response plan, in order to end the current boil-water advisory as soon as possible. City of Mercer Island and Seattle Public Utility crews collected another 18 samples this morning from the same locations as yesterday for analysis overnight. Results will be released by noon on Monday, Oct. 6.

City crews, along with help from Bellevue, continue trunk line flushing to move water with elevated chlorine levels throughout the distribution system. Additional chlorine tablets were deposited in the tanks today.  Residents may notice a chlorine smell that can be removed by boiling. This is not harmful to people or animals.

Whole Foods Market has generously offered free use of their in-store filtered-water machines for MI residents at their South Lake Union and Bellevue outlets.

Restaurants wishing to reopen can contact Public Health at 206-477-8085.

Preschools, private schools, and adult care facilities wishing to reopen should contact the Department of Health at 360-236-3074.

If residents have any further questions, please contact the City of Mercer Island hotline (today open 9:00am-5:00pm) at 206-275-7800, or visit the city’s website at www.mercergov.org.