More than 200,000 households and businesses have been placed under a boil-water notice, according to the Mississippi Department of Health.

MSDH officials have issued a state-imposed boil water notice for all residents and businesses in Jackson and Flowood.

The notices were issued after water sampling showed the presence of E. coli bacteria in water samples from both cities. Both notices were issued on Thursday, Jan. 11.

The notice for Jackson affects 188,723 customers, and the notice for Flowood affects 27,997 customers.

Health officials strongly recommend that all water be boiled vigorously for one minute before it is consumed. This precaution will last at least two full days for the cities, and water system officials will be immediately notified when the boil water alert is lifted.

Fecal coliforms and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term effects such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children and people with severely compromised immune systems.