Boil water order issued for certain customers in 5 Massachusetts towns
A boil water order has been issued for certain customers in five Massachusetts towns: Abington, Rockland, Pembroke, Hanson, and Whitman.
The Abington-Rockland Joint Water Works says the order is effective immediately for all of their customers in those five towns after a recent routine water test showed total coliform bacteria and E. coli in the water.
"This is a serious matter, and we're taking urgent steps to protect public health," the Abington Health Department said in a
"We have to issue a boil water order which means do not consume the water without boiling it first, you can shower but don't get the water in your mouth," said Kristel Cameron, the joint waterworks superintendent for Abington and Rockland.
Hingham was previously listed as part of the boil water order by the Abington-Rockland Joint Water Works, but it has since been revised. said that most of its customers are not affected by the bacterial contamination. People living on Abington Street near the Rockland line are impacted.
"I woke up to my husband saying there's a boiling water order," said Rockland resident Kelsey Hristova.
They said the order should be lifted within 48-72 hours.
What to do during a boil water order
Here is what you need to do if you are one of the customers of Abington-Rockland Joint Water Works in Abington, Rockland, Pembroke, Hanson, or Whitman.
- Boil tap water for one full minute before drinking it.
- Use bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, making ice, cooking, washing dishes, bathing, and food preparation.
- Throw out all ice, formula, uncooked food, and beverages that used tap water on or before May 14, 2025.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has more information on , including
Right now, it's unclear how the bacteria got into the water supply.
"Poor sampling technique, so that's what we're hoping it was," said Cameron. "But anything from a water main break that sediment got into the pipes."
At an ice and spring water station in Abington, residents were there filling up bottles and jugs all day Friday.
"It's very inconvenient, I was at work and we got the notice and they gave us what to do and what not to do and boil the water," said Abington resident Mark Smith.
Signs of waterborne illness
Both E. Coli and total coliform bacteria are present in most people's and animals' digestive tracts, but some strains can cause serious illness.
If you believe you have contracted a waterborne illness from the tap water in those towns, seek medical help. Most E. Coli infections can begin three to five days after drinking or eating something contaminated with the bacteria, according to the However, some strains may begin to show symptoms up to 10 days after consuming E. Coli.
The Cleveland Clinic says that symptoms to watch out for include watery and bloody diarrhea, stomach pain and cramps, low fever, and loss of appetite.
