BOSTON -- A boil-water order has been lifted for Wareham, town officials said Tuesday.

Water samples taken Saturday, Sunday and Monday tested negative for total coliform and E. coli bacteria, the Wareham Water Department said.

The boil-water order was issued Friday after routine water samples tested positive for bacteria. The order did not apply to residents in Onset or those using private wells.

The water will be treated with chlorine for about 30 days as a precautionary measure, the town said. Normally the water in Wareham is not chlorinated.

E. coli can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration and, in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, elderly and persons with weakened immune systems are the most susceptible to the illness.