One possibility is that the E. coli was dormant on the bottom or sides before the cleaning and the cleaning itself brought it into the main supply. Chlorine won't do diddly squat to E. coli. The underlying political coincidences are still pretty valid arguments though. Just saying.

Someone did note that back in 2006, eColi was found in Bend's water system, necessitating a "Boil Notice". So...guess these things happen anywhere, right? Nevertheless, you Portlanders are more than welcome over here in beautiful Central Oregon. However, as someone noted, just leave on Monday.

Incidentally, I love that Portland voted down that "let's privatize our water" measure. Way to go!

I live in Portland and I talked to my mother who doesn't about it. She worked in a medical lab for years (retired now), but she said that even if you think you know what you're looking for, it takes 2 days to grow the culture in the lab. There is no way to speed it up, there is no way to shortcut it. It just takes that long.