E. coli found in drinking water in Panhandle town of Turpin

Water problems for a rural water system in the Oklahoma Panhandle. E. coli’s been discovered.

A boil order has been issued by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality for customers and users of the Beaver County Rural Water District #1 which covers the town of Turpin.

The DEQ says customers should only use water that has been brought to a full, rolling boil for at least one minute. That, or use bottle water or water from another acceptable source for consumption as well as for food preparation, dishwashing and brushing teeth.

“Please note that the boil order is only for the Beaver Co. RWD #1 water system, which serves Turpin,” stated the DEQ announcement. “The boil order does not include many areas of Beaver County. If a water customer is unsure which water system supplies their water, the customer should check their water bill.”

The DEQ said users will be notified when the water is considered safe for human consumption. Federal law requires that consumers be notified when a public water supply exceeds certain maximum contaminant levels and might be harmful to the health of consumers.

Source: DEQ announcement