Franklin County residents told to boil water

Total coliform bacteria was detected in samples collected from the Franklin County Public Utilities system. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are generally not harmful, but they are an indicator that potentially harmful bacteria may be present.

Several water samples taken in recent days have tested negative for bacteria, officials said, but they want residents to boil water used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth and making ice until more tests can be completed Monday.

Vigorous boiling for one minute should kill any disease-causing organisms that might be present in the water, officials said.

Customers on municipal water systems in Louisburg and Franklinton aren't affected by the boil advisory, officials said.