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Boil water advisory issued for Mercer Island; restaurants ordered to close


MERCER ISLAND - The city of Mercer Island is advising all residents to boil their water before drinking after routine tests came back showing the presence of E. coli.


Public Health - Seattle and King County ordered all food establishments to 'suspend operations' until the boil water advisory is lifted, according to Mercer Island officials.


Seattle Public Utilities, the city's water provider, routinely collects 18 samples each month from the Mercer Island water distribution system. Test samples collected on September 26th came back the next day showing the presence of E. coli - indicating the water may be unsafe to drink, officials said.


Here's information from the city of Mercer Island:


Boiled or purchased bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice. Bring the water to a boil, let it boil for at least 1 minute, and let it cool before using. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms that could potentially be in the water.


Dishwashers can be used if run with the sanitizing/heat cycle and commercial dishwashing detergent. Dishes can be hand washed if rinsed in a diluted bleach solution - one teaspoon household bleach to one gallon of water - and then allowed to air dry.


Water can be used for bathing, but do not drink any of the water and do not allow babies to put the water or wet washcloth in the mouth.


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