The City of Baldwin has lifted the boil water advisory it issued for customers Monday afternoon following a water main break in the 6500 block of Old Highway 441.
According to a press release from the city, the break resulted in a loss of pressure in that section of the water system.
Bacteriological samplings collected from several sites in the area tested negative for harmful bacteria.
Original story published Monday at 2:51 p.m.:
The City of Baldwin issued a boil water advisory Monday afternoon due to a water main break in the 6500 block of Old Highway 441.
According to a press release from the City of Baldwin Water Department, the water main break may disrupt the water supply or cause low water pressure in parts of the water system.
"The advisory is being issued out of an abundance of caution - there is the potential a health hazard may exist due to microbial contamination in these areas without positive pressure," the release reads.
Customers that have experienced water outages and/or low water pressure are asked to use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking, cooking or preparing food.
The department said customers should follow the following guidelines for boiling water:
- Heat water until bubbles come quickly from the bottom of the container
- Continue heating the water for one minute once it begins to boil
- Remove the water from the heat source and allow it to cool before use
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that boiled tap water or bottled water be used for the following:
- Drinking
- Brushing teeth
- Washing food and preparing food and baby formula
- Making ice
- Drinking water for pets
Other activities such as clothing washing, dishwashing and other uses can be done without boiling tap water if done properly. Proper CDC guidelines can be found here.
The advisory is in effect until the City of Baldwin Water System has done the appropriate testing to be confident there is no longer a public health concern. Customers will be notified immediately when the advisory is lifted.
Once the advisory is lifted, all faucets should be flushed for a minimum of two minutes before use for drinking or food preparation.
