Boil water advisory issued for parts of Island Park

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is advising people who use private wells near Big Springs Avenue in Island Park to boil their water after E. coli bacteria were found in multiple wells.

The advisory affects private wells in the area around Mack's Inn and SpringHill Suites.

DEQ says residents, visitors and businesses that rely on those private wells should boil water for at least one minute before drinking it, preparing food, making ice or brushing their teeth. Bottled water may also be used.

Officials say E. coli can indicate contamination from human or animal waste and may cause illness, particularly in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

In addition to the advisory for private wells, two public water systems in the area are currently under boil water orders:

• Big 12 Water Association
• Yellowstone RV Park at Mack's Inn

DEQ says two other public water systems being tested are not currently under boil water orders:

• Mack's Inn/SpringHill Suites
• Thompson Well

The agency is encouraging private well owners in the affected area to have their water tested for bacteria.

The advisory will remain in effect until additional testing shows the contamination has cleared.