Boil Water Advisory: Ames boil order lifted; tap water safe to drink

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Ames boil order lifted; tap water safe to drink

Boil Water Advisory, reported Sunday, 15 Aug on amestrib.com. The city of Ames has lifted a boil order for drinking water issued Wednesday after breaks in water mains during flash flooding of Squaw Creek.

Understanding a Boil Water Advisory

A boil water advisory, sometimes called a boil water notice or boil-water order, is a public health advisory or directive given by government offices or health authorities to communities when that community's drinking water is, or could be, contaminated by pathogens.

Under a boil water advisory, it is recommended that water be boiled for several minutes in advance of consumption or use. Boiling for this period will kill off as much of the bacteria and viral contamination as possible.

A common cause for issuance of a boil water advisory is water pressure loss due to a failure of a pumping station or a broken water line. While loss of pressure does not necessarily mean the water has been contaminated, it does mean that potential pathogenic materials in contact with water supply plumbing may be able to enter into the system and be carried to consumers. The normal pressure of the water supply system would prevent this inward diffusion, as any leaks would force contaminants away from the supply.

Generally a boil water advisory will be in effect until water pressure is restored and water can be tested for pathogens. If tests are done locally the purity of the water supply can be determined fairly quickly. In rural areas that have to send samples off for testing the boil water advisory may be in effect for a week or more.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Ames boil order lifted; tap water safe to drink

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