LIBERTY LAKE, Wash. — Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District 1 lifted the boil order for the entire sewer and water district.
Sewer and Water District General Manager Bijay Adams said they were able to isolate the area where the contamination was found, then disinfect and flush the system, Wednesday.
A boil water advisory was still in effect for customers in an isolated section to the north of East Appleway Avenue, south of I-90, east of North McKenzie Lane including North Madson Street and west of Liberty Lake State Line Trail. IT also includes Huntwood Custom Cabinets.
Liberty Lake announced last Thursday evening that the elderly, those with disabilities or "in a position of economic hardship" can pick up water from Spokane Valley Fire District 3, Liberty Lake City Hall, the Liberty Lake Municipal Library and the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District.
Adams said a residential customer was attempting to hook up to the system and was having a hard time getting a bacteria-free sample back. He said the customers service connection didn’t test positive for E. Coli, a nearby fire hydrant did.
Adams said the fire hydrant located near the Peterbilt on East Knox Avenue tested positive for E. Coli. He said it’s believed the contamination is impacting a portion of the system along East Appleway Avenue which is about a block from East Knox Avenue.
Adams said the sewer and water district is collection samples to find the source of the pollution. Once they find the source, Adams said they will be better able to treat it. They are also working to chlorinate the system.
“We are taking action to eliminate the bacteria from the water system. Safe and reliable drinking water is critical to good health. Responding to this kind of situation is our highest priority," Adams said in a press release.
No illnesses have been reported.
The advisory included several precautionary steps for customers. These include: using purchased bottled water or boiled water for drinking, brushing teeth, dishwashing, preparing food, and making ice. When boiling water for use, water should come to a rolling boil for one minute, and then cooled before using.
The water system serves more than 10,000 people in Liberty Lake and the surrounding area.
Something similar happened to the water in Hillyard at the end of July. The E. Coli contamination occurred when a commercial hydroseed truck pumping water from a hydrant allowed backflow into the water system.
People living in the area bound by Wellesley Avenue, Freya Street, Crown Avenue and Havana Street were asked to avoid drinking the tap water.
It is still unclear who was responsible for the contamination.