by Trace Bruce, originally posted on August 18, 2016

Public Water District 8 in Cedar Hill has issued a voluntary boil water advisory for its customers.

The district discovered a water main break about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night (Aug. 17) that has since been repaired.

“The advisory is precautionary, so that people with an impaired immune system or who have small children can boil their water if they want to,” manager Kathy Voyles said.

When a water district experiences a water main break, it must submit water samples to be tested by the Jefferson County Health Department. The district has provided two test samples, one at 11:30 p.m. last night and one at 9 a.m. this morning. If neither shows evidence of contamination, the district will lift the advisory.

The results of the tests are expected sometime Friday afternoon.

For those who choose to boil their water, it should be boiled vigorously for three minutes. Boiled water should be used for drinking, brushing teeth, diluting fruit juices and all other food preparations.

Do not use ice from an automatic icemaker. Remake ice cubes with water that has been boiled or buy ice.

Disinfect dishes and other surfaces that will be in contact with food by immersing them in tap water that contains on teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

Water used for washing hands or bathing generally does not need to be boiled.