Foxhall Water System: Precautionary Boil Water Notice Issued

Washington Water Service is advising the approximately 225 homes/lots highlighted on the map below and served by our Foxhall Water System in Thurston County to use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking or cooking until further notice.

Yesterday evening, Thursday, June 18, 2026, Washington Water learned that total coliform and E. coli bacteria were detected in one water sample collected Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from a routine distribution point in the water system. A second sample also collected in the water system was total coliform present, E. Coli absent. Our staff will be onsite today, June 19, collecting follow-up confirmation samples throughout the water system.

As a precaution, chlorine will be added to storage tanks in the system once these follow-up samples have been collected. We have notified the Washington State Department of Health about this incident, and we are advising you to take this measure out of an abundance of caution because protecting your health and safety is our highest priority.

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all tap water to a rolling boil for one minute. Let it cool before using. You should use boiled water (or bottled water) for drinking, preparing food, making ice, brushing teeth, and washing dishes by hand. Tap water is safe for showering, bathing, and for other household uses, including washing dishes in the dishwasher as long as the heat/sanitizing cycle and commercial dishwashing detergent are used.

The presence of E. coli bacteria indicates that the water may be affected by human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. However, the symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice from their health care provider about drinking the water.

If you choose to purchase bottled water during this advisory, you may submit your receipt for reimbursement and a credit will be applied to your account. Please mail your receipt to our office at P.O. Box 336, Gig Harbor, WA 98335. Be sure to include your account number and address on the receipt.

We apologize for the inconvenience. Again, protecting your health and safety is our highest priority. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call our Customer Service Center. We can be reached toll-free at (877) 408-4060 or by email at [email protected].