NORTH BEND, Wash. (AP) - Thousands of homeowners in eastern King County could be forced to boil their water through early next week because of E. coli concerns.

KOMO reports the boil water advisory affects customers who get their water from the Sallal Water Association near North Bend.

So, the association has been offering free bottled water just outside their headquarters. About 5,000 people in North Ben are affected by a boil advisory was issued last week. It will remain in effect until at least October 1.

Ann Reed, who is a member of Sallal’s Board of Trustees, says the reason the advisory lasts at least until the first is because the chlorination process to flush out the bacteria can take some time.

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