The Fall City Water District sent a drinking water warning to customers on October 30, 2026, after E. coli bacteria were detected in the water supply. An urgent boil water notice is now in effect for downtown Fall City, Fall City Redmond Road, Fall City Preston Road and David Powell Road.
According to the notice, E. coli was detected on October 29. Customers are being advised not to drink the water without boiling it first. Water should be brought to a rolling boil for one minute and allowed to cool before use. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and preparing food until further notice.
The district said routine samples initially indicated the presence of coliform bacteria, with a repeat sample showing both coliform and E. coli. Reservoir maintenance is listed as the suspected cause of the contamination.
E. coli can indicate that water has been contaminated with human or animal waste. According to the notice, pathogens associated with this type of contamination can cause short-term symptoms including diarrhea, cramps, nausea and headaches. Infants, young children, older adults and people with severely compromised immune systems may face a greater health risk. Anyone experiencing symptoms that persist may want to seek medical advice, while those at increased risk should consult their healthcare provider about drinking water.
The reservoir and main lines have been disinfected, and the district is in the process of flushing the system. Additional samples will be collected to verify water quality. The boil water notice will remain in effect until satisfactory samples have been obtained and the Washington State Department of Health has approved lifting it.
The district said it anticipates resolving the problem by November 5 and will notify customers when they no longer need to boil their water.
Residents are also being asked to share the notice with others who drink the water, particularly those who may not have received the warning directly, including people in apartments, nursing homes, schools and businesses.
Questions can be directed to the Fall City Water District at 425-222-7882.
