CATO, N.Y. — Residents in the Village of Cato should boil their water before using it or use bottled water until further notice after the water system lost pressure because of a water line repair, according to a release form the Cayuga County Health Department.
When water mains lose pressure, the chances that untreated water and harmful microbes can enter your water increase, the health department said.
Once the water line is repaired, the Village of Cato will take samples to confirm the distribution system is not contaminated, according to the release.
The boil water order is expected to last a few days.
“Harmful microbes in drinking water can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms and may pose a special health risk for infants, some elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems,” the health department said.
“But these symptoms are not just caused by microbes in drinking water.
If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you should seek medical advice.” People with questions may contact the Village of Cato at 315-626-2397 or the Cayuga County Health Department at 315-253-1560.