TIVERTON, R.I. — Customers of the Stone Bridge Fire District water system in Tiverton should boil their water before drinking it or using it for cooking, the Rhode Island Department of Health said Monday, after a water main break caused a loss of pressure in part of the system.

The break happened on the evening of Nov. 8 near William Barton Drive and Bulgarmarsh Road, the department said. A drop in pressure could let bacteria into the system, and the fire district is applying the precautionary notice to its entire system.

The district has repaired the break and is disinfecting the system by raising chlorine levels, within safe limits, according to the department. Customers should keep boiling their water until the district finishes disinfecting, flushes the pipes and gets one day of sampling results free of bacteria from locations across the system. The district is contacting customers directly and will announce when the advisory is lifted.

Health officials said water for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and preparing food should be brought to a vigorous boil for at least one minute, or customers can use bottled water. Infants and young children should not be bathed in the water because they may swallow it, and others should avoid swallowing water while bathing or showering. The department said it is also giving guidance to restaurants and other food businesses in the area.

The department said anyone on the system who has diarrhea along with a fever over 101.5 degrees, blood in the stool, prolonged vomiting, signs of dehydration, or diarrhea lasting more than three days should contact a health care provider.

Customers with questions can call the Stone Bridge Fire District at 508-676-3526.

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