The water from River Road Spring, a popular local landmark on Route 13 near the town center, has been declared unsafe, after recent tests revealed bacteria contamination.    

Health officer Shannon Silver said an abnormal level of total coliform bacteria was detected in the water.

Coliform is a naturally occurring organism which most likely contaminated the well from excessive ground run off following the spring flooding.

Silver said the contamination has nothing to do with sewage.

“It’s a free-running spring, and we’ve had a lot of flooding,” said Silver. “It’s definitely not a (widespread) water issue.”

A bright yellow sign is posted at the spring, warning visitors about the problem, declaring, “This spring has been closed by order of the Health Officer and declared unsafe for human consumption.”

Water contaminated with coliform bacteria may cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and possibly jaundice. Children under the age of 5, older people and those with weakened immune systems, are especially vulnerable to infection from contaminated water.

In rare cases, the symptoms can become very serious, even life threatening.

Silver plans to test the River Road Spring again, in about a month, to see if the bacteria contamination has cleared up.

“If it’s all right, we’ll take down the sign,” said Silver.

A permanent sign, placed near the spring many years ago, warns that the well does not meet public standards for safe drinking water, and that the town of New Boston will not assume liability for health problems caused by the water.

Since the well lies on a public road, the town is responsible for testing. The well is checked for contamination each spring, along with the water in several public buildings. Private property owners are responsible for testing from private water sources.