Wilson, N.C. — Customers served by the Southeast Water District in Wilson County were advised Tuesday to boil their water after tests found total coliform bacteria in some water samples.

Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are generally not harmful themselves, but they are an indicator that other, potentially harmful, bacteria may be present, officials said. Additional water samples have been collected and were being tested to disprove or confirm results.

Customers in the Southeast Water District should bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute or use bottled water until further notice for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, making ice and washing hands, officials said. Vigorous boiling for one minute should kill any disease-causing organisms that might be present in the water.