E.Coli Found in Pennsylvania Town's Water

Residents of Barton, Pa., have been warned to boil their tap water before drinking it after the deadly bacteria e.coli was found in the water supply.

It's unclear at this point what caused the contamination, but excessive runoff from rain or a breakdown of the town's water treatment system are likely culprits.

Here's more information from the town's boil water advisory, as published in The Morning Times newspaper:

Fecal and e.coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal waste. Microbes in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children and people with severely compromised immune systems,” the statement explains.

The town's water supply is being treated with increased levels of chlorine to eradicate the e.coli, but it may be a week before it's "safe" for residents to drink their tap water again.