Gray Issues Boil Water Advisory Due to Positive E. Coli Test

Gray, Maine issued an indefinite boil water advisory on Wednesday for anyone using the town’s public water supply, warning of unspecified contamination.

“Consumers should boil water for one minute before drinking, making ice cubes, washing foods, brushing teeth, or any other activity involving water consumption,” said the Town.

The Gray Fire Rescue announced the advisory through its Facebook page by posting a screenshot of an email from a cellphone.

Residents can go to the Gray Fire Rescue and receive a limited number of water bottles.

The Maine Wire reached out to the Gray Water District by phone for more information.

The phone number provided by the town played a pre-recorded message about the boil water advisory, explaining that it does not apply to people with wells and that it remains safe for residents to shower.

Neither the pre-recorded message nor any of the town’s safety advisories included the reason for the advisory or the type of contaminant.

According to the state’s Drinking Water Program website, Gray’s water tested positive for E. coli bacteria.

It is unclear how long the system has been contaminated.

E. coli can cause severe, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and, in rare cases, life-threatening kidney failure.

The Maine Wire made a second phone call to the Gray Water District and was able to speak to an employee, asking why the town’s official advisory did not specify the reason for the advisory.

The employee said that she couldn’t provide a good reason why that information had been omitted but that she would speak to the water district’s superintendent about updating the advisory with the important information.