Drinking Water Warning: Boil Water Before Using

Due to a water main break on Main Street, a BOIL WATER ADVISORY has issued for the Riethmiller Blackman Art Building, Burrage Library, Dole Hall and the Olivet Congregational Church. Bacterial contamination may have occurred in the water system. Bacteria are generally not harmful and are common throughout the environment. Corrective measures are being taken to correct the situation.

Do not drink the water without boiling it first. Bring all water to a boil, let boil for one minute, let cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. City staff are working to get pressure restored, and water staff will be taking other remedial actions such as flushing and taking bacterial samples from the system to ensure the quality meets the state's drinking water standards. Citizens will be informed when the tests show no bacteria and water no longer needs to be boiled. Workers believe the problem will be solved within a couple days.

The boil water notice will remain in effect until the results from sampling verify the water is safe to drink. Citizens will informed when the advisory has been lifted.

For more information, contact Jerry Staggs at 269-339-8219 or John Krohn at 269-317-2220. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Update: As of Feb. 20, the water is safe for consumption.

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