SPOKANE -- Republic has ordered a boil order to go into effect for the city’s water supply after testing found the presence of E. coli.

The Department of Health is working with the city to find the source of the contamination and fix the problem, which is similar to what Republic experienced about a year ago. The city’s water system serves 1,400 people.

"We're on top of this, and we're working with the state to figure out how bacteria are getting into the water," said Public Works Director Casey Giddings. "Until we can resolve this, we're asking residents to boil their tap water."

The Health Department recommends that residents boil water or used bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, dishwashing, preparing food and making ice.

The health advisory will remain in effect until the contamination is no longer a threat, possibly through early next week.