City officials said Wednesday evening they anticipate the advisory will be lifted in the next 48 to 72 hours.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The City of Englewood is under a boil water advisory as of Wednesday night after the presence of E. coli was detected in the water distribution system during monthly testing.
On Aug. 3 and 4, the city tested water quality samples collected from 24 different sites, and a sample from one site tested positive for E. coli, which is a bacteria that can be particularly concerning to people with weakened immune systems.
The boil water order applies to Zone 1 of the Englewood’s water distribution system. Residents can find out if they are in Zone 1 on the city’s website.
Crews are flushing the water lines in Zone 1 and conducting additional tests to determine when the boil water advisory will be lifted. Officials anticipate the advisory will end within 48 to 72 hours.
>Video above: How drinking water stays clean when floods push burn scar debris into Colorado rivers.
A water distribution site is being established at the Englewood Civic Center located at 1000 Englewood Parkway, which will open on Thursday.
The city is coordinating its response with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Tri-County Health Department.
Residents can call the city at 303-762-2365 for more information.
RELATED: How drinking water stays clean when floods push burn scar debris into Colorado rivers
An emergency alert about the order was sent to people around the Denver metro area.
When asked why the alert was also sent to people who are not within the boil water order, Angela Goodman, the deputy director of utilities, said “it’s better for the alert to go out to more people than not enough.”
She declined to say if the alert was sent to the entire Denver metro area on purpose or whether it was a mistake.
How to observe the advisory
RELATED: Wildfires are a threat to Steamboat Springs’ water supply. Here’s how the city is getting ready
> Top stories from 9NEWS curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER right now to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Latest from 9NEWS
Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER for top stories from 9NEWS curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n
HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for “9news” to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.