Updated: Boil water advisory issued in Everson “out of an abundance of caution”

EVERSON, Wash. — Officials with the City of Everson issued a boil water advisory on Friday, March 21, 2025, “Out of an abundance of caution.” The advisory is in effect for City of Everson, Hampton Water Association and Everson Water Association.

The city had previously reported that at about 9:15pm on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, a water main break occurred at the Nooksack River bridge. The water main was damaged during drilling work.

Following the main water break the evening of 3/18, routine bacteria tests were ran at several locations within the City. All samples came back satisfactory. As a precautionary measure, another round of samples were taken on 3/19 and 3/20 for e. coli and total coliform. This round of samples found no presence of e. coli but did detect the presence of total coliform bacteria. Out of an abundance of caution, we are issuing a BOIL WATER ADVISORY effective immediately. Please boil all water used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or making ice until further notice. This advisory is expected to be short-term, and we are working diligently to resolve the issue.

What is Total Coliform?

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Total coliform is a group of bacteria found in soil, plants, and sometimes surface waters. It is not a disease or single harmful germ but rather a broad category used as an indicator to check for overall cleanliness of our water system. Finding total coliform does not automatically mean the water is unsafe, but it serves as a signal to investigate further.

We know the inconvenience this puts on the residents of Everson and we apologize for any disruption. Thank you for your patience as we work to keep your water safe. We will update with information as soon as it becomes available.

– City of Everson (March 21, 2025)

Update March 23, 2025 at 1:40pm – City of Everson officials lifted the boil water advisory for all City of Everson water users, the Hampton Water Association and the Everson Water Association. They said results came back this afternoon on tests taken yesterday and all samples passed.