Presence of E. coli bacteria in water samples of White Rock area has forced the residents to boil the water before drinking. This advisory has been issued by the officials on Aug. 20.

On Thursday, higher levels of the bacterial contamination have been detected in the water samples of the area.

EPCOR’s team of technicians while cleaning the reservoir has noticed the presence of yeast, associated with dropping of pigeon in the reservoir.

Tim le Riche, an EPCOR Spokesman has confirmed the contamination. EPCOR is the private company that supplies drinking water to 20,000 residents of White Rock residents and 80 of south Surrey.

Founding contamination in Merklin reservoir, on Merklin Street, the reservoir having capacity of 1.7 million liters was drained, disinfected, recharged and tested negative for E. coli, but high levels of bacteria were found in tall Merklin reservoir, just next to it.

He added that tall Merklin reservoir had already been isolated for flushing, cleaning and disinfection.

Le Riche said, "As we're doing the cleaning process, we're doing inspections as well. We're doing everything we can to find that source".

Angela Wilson of Fraser Health Authority said that the advisory can’t be taken back till three consecutive tests give negative reports.