Norwell Issues Boil Water Order After E. coli Found in Town Water System

NORWELL, MA — Residents in Norwell are being advised to boil their tap water before use after testing detected E. coli bacteria in the town’s public water system.

The boil water order affects customers connected to the Norwell water system and is being issued as a precaution while town officials investigate the source of the contamination and work to restore the water supply to safe standards.

Residents should bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, making ice, washing food, or preparing beverages. Bottled water may also be used until the advisory is lifted.

E. coli is a type of bacteria that can indicate contamination in a drinking water supply. Exposure can potentially cause illness, with symptoms that may include stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Health officials advise extra caution for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Town officials are conducting additional testing and taking corrective measures, including flushing sections of the water system, to determine when the water supply can be declared safe again.

Residents should continue following the boil water advisory until Norwell officials announce that testing has confirmed the water meets safety standards.

What Norwell residents should do:

Boil tap water for at least one minute before use

Do not use untreated tap water for drinking or cooking

Avoid making ice from tap water until the order is lifted

Follow updates from town officials regarding when normal water use can resume

Plimoth Today will continue monitoring updates as more information becomes available.