All boil water advisories will be listed to the right under News.

If you are under a boil water advisory, here is some general information:

WHY ARE YOU RECEIVING THIS NOTICE?

Boil water advisories are required by the Department of Environmental Protection whenever an interruption in service causes some customers to have low or no water pressure.  As a precautionary measure, you are advised to boil water vigorously for at least three (3) minutes or use bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes.  This precautionary period will extend for 72 hours.  For additional information you may call the numbers listed above.   

WHY SHOULD YOU BOIL WATER?

Pipes that carry clean water to your home normally are kept contaminant - free using state regulated disinfectant procedures.  But, when a water pipe breaks or is cut to make repairs, contaminants can get into the pipe.  Mud and dirt can get into the pipe, as well as contaminated surface water.  Boiling water will kill any microorganisms that may be in the water.  It is advised that you boil water for drinking and cooking purposes.

WHY DOES THE PRECAUTIONARY PERIOD LAST 72 HOURS?

City employees must restore the water to its proper chemical balance.  The water must be sampled and be analyzed for bacteriological content and chlorine level.  The treatment and testing to ensure proper water typically takes 72 hours.

WHO IS AT RISK?

Everyone in the notified area is advised to boil water as a precautionary measure.  Some people, such as the very young or old, or those with suppressed immune systems such as cancer chemotherapy patients or people with AIDS, should be especially careful to use boiled water for drinking and cooking purposes.

Additional frequently asked questions can be found to the right.