Welcome sign of the city of Gothenburg (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)

GOTHENBURG – The city of Gothenburg issued a boil water order on Friday, August 16, because E. coli bacteria were found in the water system.

According to the city of Gothenburg, the E. coli bacteria was detected in August and indicates possible problems with water treatment or distribution.

“When this happens, we are required to conduct an assessment to identify problems and correct any problems identified during those assessments,” the order states.

E. coli bacteria indicate that the water may be contaminated by human or animal waste. Human pathogens in water can cause short-term effects such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms.

This may pose a greater health risk to infants, young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

Residents of Gothenburg are advised not to drink water without boiling it first. Water should be boiled for one minute and then cooled before use. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

Bacterial contamination can occur when increased runoff water enters a drinking water source; it can also be caused by a break in the distribution system or a fault in water treatment.

The city of Gothenburg noted in the order that the expected date for solving the problem was Wednesday, August 21, and that residents would be informed when they no longer had to boil their water.