Bristol County Water Authority distributes free water

Related Link: Bristol County Water Authority

WARREN, R.I.—The Bristol County Water Authority will make free drinking water available to customers until a boil water advisory is lifted.

Customers in Barrington, Bristol and Warren have been told to boil tap water for 1 minute before using it to drink, cook, brush teeth or bathe infants. A single sample tested positive for E. coli contamination over the weekend.

Officials said they don’t know how the water supply became contaminated. E. coli usually indicates the presence of human or animal waste in the water.

E. coli can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea or headaches, but health officials said there have been no reports of illnesses.

Free drinking water will be available at the Crescent Park Carousel in East Providence and at the Bristol County Water Authority at 472 Child St. in Warren from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day until the advisory is lifted.

Customers must bring their own containers.

The authority serves about 17,000 homes, businesses and schools.