Contaminated water warning for some Bainbridge homes

Seventy-nine Bainbridge Island homes in the Emerald Heights and Deer Ridge subdivisions and also a few homes along Opal Ridge Lane have been advised to use bottled water or boil their water because a water line break may have allowed contaminants to enter the water system.

The state Department of Health said the health advisory is expected to last several days for those residents, customers of Emerald Heights Water.

The line break is now repaired, but health officials said residents still may notice the water is cloudy. Officials said the water can be used for baths or showers, but say drinking the water could cause health problems.

If the water smells or tastes of bleach, residents should not drink it until the bleach scent or taste are gone. They should also not give the water to pets or use it in fish tanks.

If there is no bleach scent or taste, the water still must be boiled for one minute before use, but it can then be used for cooking and drinking, health officials say.