Meadowlands awaits test results after weekend under boil water advisory

MEADOWLANDS — The small St. Louis County city of Meadowlands remains under a boil water advisory Tuesday, Sept. 3, after E. coli was found in the public water system.

The Minnesota Department of Health issued the advisory on Friday, noting routine sampling confirmed the presence of the bacteria. In response, the city has followed steps including flushing the system’s water mains, increasing chlorine levels and inspecting the water tower.

Mayor Betsy Crabb said the bacteria was present at very low levels and nothing unusual was found by a contractor who examined the system and tower over the weekend.

City officials were awaiting another set of tests Tuesday afternoon.

"If it comes out with a ... happy result than we should be good to go," Crabb said. "At this point, we’re just waiting."

Most E. coli bacteria are harmless and are part of a healthy intestinal tract. But some can make people sick with diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis and other illnesses.

Crabb said she was aware of three people who reported becoming sick and who have since recovered.

The advisory had impacts on area businesses over the Labor Day weekend, forcing the temporary closure of a restaurant. Crabb said neighbors quickly mobilized in the city to help one another.

"People from the council, people from the town, got all hands on deck and we just bought a bunch of water," she said. "I delivered some on Friday. We delivered some on Saturday and Sunday. And I just brought back some more water in case anybody needs some.

"We're hoping for the best, but if we need to go beyond today, then we'll go get more water tomorrow."

Boil water advisories mean residents should consider using bottled or boiled water for drinking and to prepare and cook food. Water should be at a full rolling boil for one minute before being cooled for use.