High levels of fecal coliform or E. coli contaminant in Cape-Perry Public Water Supply District No. 1 that prompted a mandatory boil water order Wednesday were caused by an issue with a chlorine cylinder, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The boil order remains in effect for northern Cape Girardeau County along or near U.S. 61.

"Basically, there wasn't proper chlorination of the water," said Gena Terlizzi, communications director for the state department. "Once we receive two consecutive days of clear samples, they can lift the order."

The water supply district was to install a new chlorine cylinder Thursday, Terlizzi said, and the earliest the boil order could be lifted is Saturday.

Amy Morris of the Cape Girardeau Health Department said the department had not received any reports related to the contamination as of Thursday.

Until the boil order is lifted, DNR urges drinking water be boiled vigorously for three minutes.

Ice cubes and automatic ice-makers from unboiled water should not be used, and dishes and other food-contact surfaces should be disinfected by immersing them in clean water that contains one teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water.

Water used for bathing does not need to be boiled; however, children should be supervised while bathing so water is not ingested.

klamb@semissourian.com

388-3639