DOVER, Del. -- The Delaware Division of Public Health is issuing a boil water advisory for some towns in Sussex County.

Customers of the Broadkiln Beach Water Company should boil their water after samples from the company's system tested positive for E. Coli. Customers with PrimeHook Water Company are also advised to boil water, as the company has a connection to Braodkiln.

DPH says people should not drink the water unless it has been boiled first, or should use bottled water. The warning applies not only to drinking the water, but for using it when you cook, brush your teeth, make ice, or wash dishes and clothes.

The department says the well and system are currently being cleaned and flushed, and a chlorine treatment system has been put in place. State officials will determine when it's safe to use and drink the water again.

DPH says a contamination like this one can happen when increased run-off enters the drinking water source after heavy rains, or when there is a break or failure in the distributions system and water treatment process.