Boil-water notice lifted for homes north of Sisters

A boil-water order was lifted Friday for nearly 600 homes in an unincorporated area north of Sisters, a week after tests turned up E. coli and total coliform bacteria contamination, officials said.

The Indian Meadow Water Co. said water samples taken Thursday were negative for both total and E. coli bacteria, so customers could resume using domestic water with no restrictions.

The notice was sent to customers after routine monthly water samples tested positive for E. coli and coliform bacteria and a repeat test found only the total coliform.

One of three wells serving the system later was identified as the source, likely from an animal. That well was isolated from the system and the reservoir and distribution system were chlorinated, leading to the negative test results received Friday.

The water company board in its notice thanked customers “for your patience during this unfortunate situation.”