E. coli scare prompts urgent boil warning in Bartlesville, Dewey

A mandatory boil order is now in effect for the public water supply in both Bartlesville and Dewey, following the detection of E. coli and total coliform bacteria during routine testing. The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued the order on Saturday, warning residents not to consume tap water unless it has been brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute.

We spoke with Erin Hatfield, Communications Director for the Oklahoma DEQ, about what triggered the order, what it means for residents, and when things might return to normal.

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Q: Why was this boil order issued?

A: “Samples are taken quite often from public water supplies to ensure that the water is safe. In this case, routine samples were positive for E. coli and total coliforms. Repeat samples were then positive for total coliform, which triggers a mandatory boil order.”

Q: What is being done to fix it?

A: “We are working directly with the system in hopes of getting this resolved as quickly as possible. Obviously, we want to make sure that those issues aren’t there before we lift that boil order. Public safety is paramount.

We’ve authorized the system to immediately take more samples, and hopefully those will allow us to lift the boil order. But again, the boil order will be in place until the water is safe to drink.”

Q: What exactly should residents be doing right now?

A: “You’re going to want to boil your water to brush your teeth, for washing dishes, to drink it, to cook with it. You’re usually boiling water to cook with it anyway, but—or have an alternate source of water. Just be mindful that you don’t ingest any of it, and take those precautions.”

Q: How long will this last?

A: “I would love to say that there is a typical timeline—there isn’t. It depends on the issue and how quickly the system can get that resolved.

Q: Where can people find more information?

For the latest updates, visit DEQ’s website or follow the agency on social media. You can also find information on the News On 6 app and website.

TIP: If you live in Bartlesville or Dewey, boil all tap water for at least one minute before using it to drink, cook, brush your teeth, or wash dishes.