CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG-TV9) — Cedar Rapids officials said Saturday a water main break and loss of pressure prompted a boil order in part of the city.
“Residents living in portions of northwest Cedar Rapids are asked to bring tap water to a rolling boil, boil for one minute, and cool before using for cooking or consumption,” read a post to the Cedar Rapids Police Department Facebook page.
“Residents may also use bottled water.” Authorities suggest those under the boil order use boiled or bottled water “for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and preparing food until further notice.” The precautionary boil order applies to properties adjacent to O Avenue NW, with Woodside Drive NW as a western boundary and 26th St NW as an easterly boundary.
Authorities said the homes and apartments that receive water from the O Ave water main between the boundaries will not have service while city crews make repairs.
“Even when water service is restored very quickly, as it will be to most residences within this area, the DNR requires that a boil order be issued for residents who lose pressure,” read the post.
“We are conducting biological tests to ensure the safety of the water, and we will continue to communicate with all customers, especially those within the most impacted area, until we have results from these tests confirming the safety of our water.” Authorities said they’re recommending all residents within the above area “boil water until we are able to validate the safety of the water within the system.” “At about 7:15 a.m. on January 20, 2018, the water system lost pressure due to a water main break at O Ave. NW in the vicinity of 26th St. NW,” authorities said.
“When water mains lose pressure it increases the chance that untreated water and harmful microbes can enter your water.” In worse case scenarios, authorities said microbes can cause “diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms and may pose a special health risk for infants, some elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.” Authorities said if you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you should seek medical advice.
City crews are working to restore water services as quickly as possible.
“Once water is restored, water samples will be taken and tested to ensure the safety of your water,” read the post.
“A secondary notice will be issued when this localized boil order is lifted.” Authorities believed it to be likely residents within the defined area will need to boil water for the next 24 hours.