originally posted on May 25, 2016

FARMINGTON – A glitch in the reverse 911 system sent a drinking water alert to Farmington residents today that was meant for only about 2,000 customers in the Crouch Mesa area.

The AV Water company issued a boil advisory.

Jose Grijalva, the company’s treatment plant operator, said the issue is confined to a subdivision containing approximately 100 houses, which have been experiencing dirty tap water.  He said the issue is the result of sediment trapped in pipes, and the water is not likely contaminated. The boil advisory lasts for 72 hours, but Grijalva said he expects to have it lifted on Wednesday.

Although the issue was confined to a small area, the alert reached a broad audience. Shana Reeves, director or communications for the city of Farmington, said her office was flooded with calls from concerned residents.

Michelle Truby Tillen, with the San Juan County Office of Emergency Management, said a glitch in the reverse 911 system sent the alert out to everyone in Farmington, rather than the affected area. She said the boil advisory only applies to about 2,000 customers in the Crouch Mesa area.