In Mercer Island, Washington, the Seattle-area city/island located in the middle of Lake Washington, there's still water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink -- unless you boil it first.

The City of Mercer Island has reported that test results from water samples collected Sept. 27 were analyzed and found to be generally favorable, while results for samples taken Sept. 28 were expected back from the testing lab before 8 a.m. Monday, according to a report by the Mercer Island Reporter.

Previous tests had shown the presence of E. coli bacteria in the water system, prompting officials to issue the boil-water alert over the weekend, although there were no known reports of health conditions associated with E. coli infection on the island.

Seattle Public Utilities routinely test the area water supply, with 800 samples taken all at once, explains a report by istreetresearch.com.

That said, 18 samples were processed from Mercer Island, which claims an estimated population of 23,661 residents, and one of those samples returned positive for E. coli.

The city's 62 restaurants have remained closed as a precautionary measure and aren't expected to open their doors again until after the boiling water advisory is lifted.

However, if the results come back negative for contaminants, the city-wide boil advisory will probably be lifted, after Mercer Island officials confer with the state's health department.

Besides the water sample from Mercer Island, water in the surrounding areas and in King County were all clear of any bacteria and reaffirmed safe for drinking.

The city said it will be working with the Department of Health to further review the Total Coliform result and determine if it warrants any additional action.

City utility crews inspected system facilities and storage areas and found no abnormalities, the Reporter said.

The sytem's water mains have been thoroughly flushed in potential problem areas and chlorine levels have been checked to make sure levels are adequate throughout the distribution system.

The Mercer Island School District has said schools will be stay closed Sept. 29.