originally posted on January 9, 2017

The city of Lehigh in Webster County issued a boil advisory Monday morning after pumps at the city’s water treatment plant malfunctioned and failed to refill the water tower, according to a news release from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The resulting drop in water pressure created the potential for bacteria to enter the water system.

Water pressure has been restored, but residents are asked to boil water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth or preparing food. Tap water may be used for bathing and similar purposes.

Lehigh residents should bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms.

Two sets of water samples, taken 24 hours apart, will be tested to determine whether the water is safe and when the advisory can be lifted.