Some Guemes Islanders urged to boil water

The advisory applies only to the Holiday Hideaway Water Association, which serves 133 homes in the island community.

The state Department of Health’s Office of Drinking Water and the Skagit County Health Department are working with the water system operator to find the source of contamination and to fix the problem. The Office of Drinking Water is arranging to inspect the water system with the operator in the next few days.

Residents should use boiled water or purchased bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, dishwashing, preparing food and making ice. Water should be boiled briskly for 1 minute and allowed to cool before using.

The advisory will remain in effect until the Water Association and the Department of Health are confident there is no longer a threat to the system’s customers. It’s likely to remain in effect at least until early next week.