I am currently visiting family in SC. I live in a small village in Alaska. I am scheduled to fly home tomorrow. I have found out that our village has not had water since this past Saturday and e coli was discovered in the water. They say they are trying to have it cleared up in 2-5 days, but no guarantees. I have an open abdominal fistula. My question is -- would it be safe to return to the village with this fistula or would it be better to stay in SC until they are sure the e coli is cleared out of the water? TIA
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E. coli in water isn't itself the threat. It's an indicator that human or animal poop has gotten into the water, along with whatever disease-causing bacteria and viruses one or more of the poop sources might be carrying. It's also a matter of degree, with concern rising with the amount of contamination (and, presumably, the number of sources). A town's entire sewage stream is much more likely to cause illness than a single home's. The illnesses of concern are those transmitted by the fecal-oral route, which is both yucky and common. Polio, for example, is transmitted this way.
If you boil E. coli-contaminated water for at least one minute you can make it biologically safe to drink. I'm guessing you're concerned about showering, and I'd be surprised if the water posed any extra threat to you because of the fistula, though I wouldn't intentionally try to push any water into the fistula. It might be wisest to avoid tub baths, but even that is an overabundance of caution. The organisms we worry about in E. coli-contaminated water aren't those likely to cause fistula trouble.
I agree with Scott's points. That said, If it were me, I'd stay put until you had reliable running water. The hassle of having to make your own potable water or use bottled water while you are dealing with other issues would make me want to delay returning home if I could.
But, it's up to you if you think being home is worth the hassle.
Jan 
Thank you both for responding. I think I'm going to stay put in SC until the issues in the village are cleared. I've had too many problems with the fistula & it's just a real concern to me that something will happen. (My luck is....if it's going to happen to anyone, it will happen to me!) My husband is in the village now & he's saying they are still without water & aren't really sure when it's going to be back on. He's decided to head to Anchorage until the week end. If & when they get it all straightened out I'll return then. Again, thanks for your help.
As your husband concluded, it's just darned inconvenient to live without running potable water, with or without health issues.
Yep, like camping without the fun.
Jan