A water well that serves residents in the central Guam villages of Agana Heights, Sinajana, and Maina has tested positive for E.coli. The Guam Waterworks Authority has issued a boil water notice as a result of the positive sample taken on Wednesday.

Contaminated water can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and headaches. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune systems.

Residents are urged to bring all water to a boil, to let it boil for three minutes, and to let it cool before using or use bottled water. This water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and preparing food.

GWA says the system was flushed, and chlorine levels and pressures have been confirmed to be within acceptable levels. Although they anticipate resolving the issue within 24-48 hours, once there is no trace of E. coli, GWA will inform residents.

Another boil water notice was issued but this time for residents in the Santa Ana, Hagat area. According to GWA, traces of E. coli was found in the water supply on Thursday.