OXFORD, Mississippi — A state-imposed boil water alert for the city of Oxford was lifted on Saturday after a sample tested positive for E. coli last week.
Oxford Utilities said the alert was issued due to a contaminated routine water sample. On Friday, Dec. 8, they posted an update confirming the sample tested positive for E. coli bacteria.
After reviewing sample collection procedures, Oxford Utilities said they determined the sample was "contaminated by human error."
"The City COO Bart Robinson has been over the water department for more than 26 years and has never had a positive test for E. coli on the City of Oxford water system," said the Friday update from City of Oxford Utilities General Manager Rob Neely. "This is a very rare occurrence for Oxford."
While officials say the boil water notice was just a precaution, they say you should still follow these precautions from the Mississippi Department of Health:
- Flush faucets for 10 minutes total around the house
- Discard drinks, ice, or food made during the boil water notice
- Rewash food or drink items with new water
- Check water filters and replace if necessary
- Do not use water from hot water heater for drinking until fresh water has filtered through the tank
- Run dishwasher through a cycle before washing dishes
