Lancaster County Rural Water District 1 has issued an immediate boil water advisory after routine testing in November detected E. coli bacteria in the system.
According to a notice sent to the residents of Bennett and surrounding customers, the presence of E. coli indicates possible contamination from human or animal waste, which can carry pathogens capable of causing gastrointestinal illness. Symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea and headaches, with heightened risks for infants, young children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
Residents should not drink tap water without boiling it first. Water should be brought to a rolling boil for one minute and allowed to cool before use. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, brushing teeth, making ice, washing dishes and preparing food until further notice.
Officials say the contamination may have occurred due to heavy runoff, a break in the distribution system or a failure in the treatment process. The water system is chlorinating the network and conducting follow-up testing to determine the source of the problem.
The district estimates the advisory could remain in effect until November 20, 2025, pending clean test results. Customers will be notified when the water is safe to drink.
The district urges the public to share the advisory widely with neighbors, tenants and anyone who may not have received the notice directly.
Residents with questions can contact operator Jordon Bang at 402-720-6379. The full notice is available below.
