Boil order issued in New Cordell, Okla., after E. coli found in the water

NEW CORDELL, Okla. (Nov. 8) — People who get their water from the New Cordell Utility Authority are under a boil order after E. coli turned up in the town's drinking water, the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality said.

The bacteria were confirmed on Nov. 6. Customers in the Washita County town should bring water to a full, rolling boil for at least one minute, or use bottled water, for drinking, cooking, washing dishes and brushing teeth, the agency said.

Infants are a separate concern. The system has a history of elevated nitrate levels, and boiling doesn't remove nitrates, so DEQ said babies younger than 6 months shouldn't be given tap water even after it's boiled. Formula, juice and water for infants should be made with bottled water or another low-nitrate source until further notice, News 9 reported. High nitrate levels can make young infants seriously ill, and parents should get medical help right away if a baby has trouble breathing or a bluish tint to the skin.

The town's utility said in a notice to residents that it is working with DEQ to fix the problem and that priority help is available for older residents, young children, day cares and people with medical needs. It asked residents to bring clean, food-safe containers to fill at the water buffalo. The utility can be reached at 580-832-3825.

No date has been set to lift the order. Customers will be told when the water is safe to drink, KOCO reported.