Boil Water Order Issued for Bainbridge After Bacteria Detected in Supply

Residents of Bainbridge are being ordered to boil all tap water used for drinking and cooking after coliform bacteria was detected in the municipal water supply.

The Chenango County Environmental Health Department issued the official Boil Water Order following test results from water samples collected on June 3 and June 5, 2026.

What Residents Need to Know: How to Safely Use Tap Water During the Order

Under the order, all residents must bring water to a full rolling boil and allow it to boil for one minute before using it for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, or food preparation. As an alternative, residents may use bottled water certified for sale by the New York State Department of Health. The order remains in effect until further notice.

Coliform Bacteria Detected, But E. Coli Not Found in Bainbridge Water Tests

Coliform bacteria are microorganisms naturally present in the environment and are commonly used by water quality officials as an indicator species: their presence may signal that other, more dangerous bacteria could also be in the water supply. In this case, testing confirmed that E. coli, a bacterium of greater concern, was not detected in the Bainbridge Village samples. However, follow-up testing is required whenever coliform bacteria are found, and the boil order remains in place while that process continues.

Health Risks Associated With Contaminated Drinking Water

Exposure to harmful microbes in drinking water can lead to symptoms including diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and headaches. Health officials note that infants, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems face a heightened risk. Residents experiencing any of these symptoms are encouraged to seek medical advice.

Who to Contact for More Information About the Bainbridge Water Contamination

Residents seeking updates or additional information can contact Scott Webb, Superintendent of Public Works for the Village of Bainbridge, at 607-967-7373, or the Chenango County Environmental Health Department at 607-337-1673. Officials have stated that residents will be notified once testing confirms the water is clear of coliform bacteria and the boil order can be lifted.

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County health officials are also urging residents to share notice of the order with neighbors who may not have received it directly, including tenants in apartment buildings, nursing home residents, students, and local businesses.