Scituate Issues Boil Water Order After E. Coli Detected in Drinking Water

SCITUATE, Mass. — October 31, 2026 Scituate residents are being warned not to drink tap water without boiling it first after testing detected E. coli bacteria in the town’s drinking water system.

Town officials issued a boil water advisory Friday, October 30, after a water sample collected Tuesday, October 27, tested positive for E. coli.

According to reports from CBS Boston, additional samples were collected. Although the follow-up samples tested negative for E. coli, they came back positive for total coliform bacteria, prompting officials to issue the advisory.

What residents need to know

Until further notice, residents should use bottled water or bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for:

• Drinking
• Cooking and food preparation
• Making ice
• Brushing teeth
• Washing dishes

Residents should also discard ice, beverages, uncooked foods and infant formula prepared with tap water collected on or after October 27.

Officials said the presence of bacteria can indicate possible contamination and may pose health risks, particularly for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

Humarock excluded from advisory

The advisory applies to the Scituate water system, with the village of Humarock excluded.

Town water officials are flushing hydrants throughout the affected areas and conducting additional testing to determine when the water supply is safe.

The town has not announced when the advisory will be lifted.

Residents were also offered free bottled water at Cole Parkway on Saturday, October 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a limit of two cases per household.

Residents should continue following official town instructions until the boil water advisory is formally lifted.

This is a developing story. Plimoth Today will provide updates as additional information becomes available.