Westborough Drinking Water Tests Positive for E. coli

Town officials are asking Westborough residents to use caution after one out of three recent drinking water supply samples tested positive for the E. coli bacteria.

According to a press release issued on the Westborough website, the town was notified of the bacteria on Saturday after the drinking water sample collected on Friday tested positive.


"Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard," the press release begins. "Although this is not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing to correct this situation."

The positive water test came from the ultra-high pressure system in the southern section of Westborough, according to the town.

So what should residents do? According to the press release there is currently no need to boil water or take any other corrective actions, but residents with health concerns are encouraged to contact their doctor.

Residents with compromised immune systems, infants, and elderly could be at a higher risk of medical issues caused by E. coli, according to the town. Those with concerns can call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426-4791.

The bacteria was located inside the Fay Mountain storage tank sample, and the town removed the tank from service. According to the press release, the tank will be kept out of order until the cause of the contamination is located.

For more information, residents can contact Dennis Cote at (508) 958-2111 or the Westborough Department of Public Works at (508) 366-3070.