City of Gothenburg Welcome Sign, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
GOTHENBURG — The City of Gothenburg issued a boil water order on Friday, Aug. 16 due to E. coli bacteria found in the water system.
According to the City of Gothenburg, the E. coli bacteria was detected in August and indicates potential issues in water treatment or distribution.
“When this occurs, we are required to conduct an assessment to identify problems and to correct any problems that were found during these assessments,” according to the order.
E. coli bacteria indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal waste. Human pathogens in the water can cause short term effects such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms.
This can pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
Gothenburg residents are advised not to drink water without boiling it first. Water should be brought to a boil for one minute and then cooled for use. Boling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
Bacterial contamination can occur when increased run-off enters a drinking water source; it can also occur due to a break in the distribution system or a failure in the water treatment process.
The City of Gothenburg noted in the order that the expected resolution date is Wednesday, Aug. 21 and that residents will be informed when they no longer need to boil their water.
