Boil water advisory lifted by City of Tigard after fecal, E. coli contamination

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A boil water advisory that The City of Tigard issued for the Canterbury Hill area was lifted Tuesday morning.

City officials say the area near SW McDonald Street and Pacific Highway may have received water that "could be contaminated with potentially harmful bacteria” – believed to be caused by the contamination of human or animal waste.

Officials say the exposure was caused by a mechanical issue with a pressure sustaining pump that caused “low pressure” around 9:52 a.m. Monday. Crews have since fixed the pressure and are flushed the distribution systems.

Boiling water kills the fecal coliforms and E. coli that may have made it into the local water supply. These bacteria can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms.

Those at particular risk were infants, young children and people with compromised immune systems. More information about boil water guidelines can be found through the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or the Oregon Health Authority at 971-673-0405.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.