Boil Water Advisory Issued After E. Coli Detected In Hackettstown Well

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — The Hackettstown Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA) has issued a boil water advisory after routine testing detected E. coli in a well.

E. coli was detected in Well No. 4. A water sample collected on July 25 tested positive for the bacteria.

As a precaution, customers are advised to boil all water intended for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice.

Water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute before use, or bottled water may be used instead.

The presence of E. coli indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal waste and could cause short-term health effects, including diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. Infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems may face a higher risk of illness.

The MUA said bacterial contamination can occur when runoff enters a water source, after heavy rainfall, due to a break in the distribution system, or because of a failure in the water treatment process.

Residents with questions can contact the Hackettstown MUA at 908-852-3622 or email bvolkert@hmua.com. The advisory will remain in effect until additional testing confirms the water is safe to drink.