The V.I. Water and Power Authority has discovered an unacceptable number of fecal coliform bacteria in the potable water supply for St. Thomas.
The authority announced Friday that people using the water for drinking should boil it for at least five minutes until further notice.
Planning and Natural Resources, the agency that sets the standards for drinking water, has determined that the presence of fecal coliform bacteria in the water is an indication of a breach in the water treatment system, which raises the possibility of other organisms being in the water.
Though fecal coliform bacteria are not generally harmful, WAPA said, the other organisms that may have gotten into the water supply as a result of problems with the system can cause disease.
Symptoms of disease include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, fatigue and possible jaundice.
WAPA said it is taking steps to reduce the presence of total fecal coliform bacteria.
