CALAMUS — A boil advisory has been issued for the town of Calamus in Clinton County after a water main break that occurred today.
The water main break drained the water tower and has caused a loss in pressure, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources states in a press release issued shortly after 1 p.m. today.
A loss of pressure can allow bacteria to enter the water distribution system.
The approximately 400 residents in the Eastern Iowa town are encouraged to bring all water used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth or preparing food to a boil, let it boil for one minute and let it cool before using or to use bottled water.
Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
Tap water can be used for bathing and similar purposes.
The town will collect and test four sets of water samples, taken 24 hours apart, to determine when the water is safe and the advisory can be lifted.
For more information, call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 for general guidelines on ways to reduce risks of infection.