More than 2,600 customers in Pike County are subject to a boil water advisory

PIKE COUNTY, Mississippi (WJTV) – Over 2,600 customers in Pike County have been issued a boil water notice.

According to the Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH), the notice affects 2,664 customers of Friendship Community Water Association.

The MSDH issued a state-mandated boil water order on June 5 after water samples showed the presence of E. coli bacteria.

Health officials strongly recommend that water be vigorously boiled for one minute before consumption. This precaution should be continued for at least two full days. Water system officials will be notified immediately when the boil water advisory is lifted.

According to MSDH, fecal coliform bacteria and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal waste. Microbes in this waste can cause short-term effects such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a particular health risk to infants, young children, and people with severely weakened immune systems.