Residents of the Falcon Highlands Metro District are being warned to boil tap water before drinking it, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes or preparing food until further notice.
The district had a “booster station failure” Monday that resulted in a significant loss of pressure in the drinking water system, according to a notice posted on the district’s website.
“A loss of system pressure can introduce disease-causing organisms into the water system,” the warning read.
“These organisms include bacteria, viruses and parasites, which can cause short-term effects, such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated headaches.” Residents are instructed to bring all water to a boil for three minutes and let it cool before using or rely to bottled water.
Infants, expectant mothers, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems may be at an increased risk and should seek a physician’s advice before drinking the water, the warning said.
The district said they will inform residents when tests show bacteria levels have dropped and boiling can stop.
In the meantime, officials are flushing the system.
Officials expect the issue to be resolved Thursday.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline can be contacted at 1-800-426-4791.