Boil order issued for Lancaster County Rural Water District No. 1 customers

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Lancaster County Rural Water District No. 1 has issued a boil order for the city of Bennet and its customers.

According to district officials, E. coli was detected in November, prompting a search for potential issues in water treatment or distribution.

Residents are advised not to drink any water without boiling it first.

According to officials, bring the water to a boil for one minute, then let it cool before using, or use bottled water.

Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice.

Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal waste, according to officials.

The bacteria can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms.

Infants, young children, older adults and people with severely compromised immune systems may pose a greater health risk.

Contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source.

It can also happen due to a break in the distribution system or a failure in the water treatment process.

More information will be released as the district learns more.