LAKE HELEN, Fla. — The City of Lake Helen has issued a boil water notice and is distributing free cases of bottled water to residents after one of the city’s wells tested positive for E. coli.
The city was notified of the positive test sample by U.S. Water on Saturday. Dozens of residents gathered at the Creative Arts Center to receive cases of bottled water as the boil water notice disrupts daily routines and local commerce.
The boil water notice has affected local businesses across the city. Jennifer Hendricks, owner of Lil Café in Lake Helen, made the decision to close her establishment completely until the water issue is resolved.
“Can’t have my coffee or sweet tea that everybody likes to get,” Hendricks said. “I don’t need anyone to get sick from drinking water that has E. coli in it.”
Residents lined up at the distribution site, though some expressed concern over whether the provided supplies would meet their household needs.
Kelly, a Lake Helen resident, picked up bottled water for her family.
“I mean it helps but I got eight people in my home so what’s two cases going to do? Boil enough for dinner?” Kelly said.
City officials do not yet know the exact cause of the contamination. John Brant, city manager of Lake Helen, said the city is investigating how the bacteria entered the well.
“The report from US Water says they’ve never had this issue, we’ve never had this issue so and it could have been simple as someone touching something with their finger, a spiderweb. Could have been anything,” Brant said.
While this marks the city’s first positive E. coli sample in the water supply, residents have previously reported ongoing issues with the municipal water.
Eyewitness News has previously reported on resident complaints in Lake Helen ranging from discolored brown drinking water to foul smells and unpleasant taste.
“Our water used to be brown and I brought it to a meeting and nothing was ever done. People complain day in and day out,” Kelly said.
City Manager Brant said officials will have a clearer update on the water samples tomorrow. The city could remain under the boil water notice until Thursday.
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