“Testing of the drinking water today indicates a total coliform count of 20 with no E-coli present,” said Dr. Sweet. “The presence of any total coliforms means that bacteria which should not be in the water have been found. As a result, it has been necessary to again issue a boil water advisory for the hospital.”

“No E-coli were found in the water and it is E-coli which causes illness,” Dr. Sweet noted. “However, with total coliforms in the water, the advisory is necessary to ensure that no disease causing bacteria enter the system.”

The advisory will be lifted when two consecutive clear samples are obtained.