The following is a joint statement issued by the City of Everson and Whatcom County Health and Community Services:
No restaurant closures from damaged Everson water line
Earlier today, damage to a city water line occurred on a dead-end line, affecting a single fire hydrant. Because the water system lost pressure, the city issued a boil water advisory out of an abundance of caution. The City of Everson immediately took action to ensure contaminated water was flushed and tested to confirm that chlorine residual was maintained throughout the system.
Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) regulates food establishments in Whatcom County. WCHCS worked with the City of Everson and the Washington State Department of Health to assess risk of contamination to the water supply for food establishments. No significant health risk was identified.
Although the residential boil water advisory is still in effect, WCHCS will not order food establishments to close based on our assessment that no significant health risk was identified.
Bacterial test results are expected to be completed early tomorrow morning. The city plans to lift the boil water advisory if all water quality samples are satisfactory.
