originally posted on July 5, 2016

PANOLA CO, MS (WMC) –

The Mississippi State Department of Health issued a boil water alert for residents in Panola County.

Health officials said the water systems at the Pope-Courtland Water Association and the Pope-Courtland Water Association-North lost pressure due to a power outage.

The boil water advisory affects approximately 3,300 customers in Panola County.

When a water distribution system loses pressure, contaminants can flow back into the water.  Health officials said any system that loses pressure is considered contaminated until tests prove otherwise.

Officials recommend that all water be boiled vigorously for one minute before consumption.

MSDH issued the following checklist for safe water use:

DO NOT

• Do not drink tap water while the water system is under a boil water advisory.
• Do not drink from water fountains in parks, public or private buildings that receive water from the affected system.
• Do not use ice unless it has been made with boiled water. Freezing will not necessarily kill harmful bacteria.
• Do not use tap water to make drinks, juices, or fountain soft drinks.

DO

• Wash your dishes in boiled water, or use paper plates for the next few days.
• Wash your fruits and vegetables with boiled or bottled water since they may have been exposed to affected water from grocery store sprayers.
• Wash your hands and bathe as usual. Bathing is safe as long as no water is swallowed.
• Brush your teeth with boiled or bottled water.
• Cook with tap water if the food will be boiled for at least one minute.

AND REMEMBER:

• Properly chlorinated water in swimming pools is safe.
• Fish in aquariums are not affected.