LEHIGH - The city of Lehigh in Webster County issued a boil advisory Monday morning after water pumps at the city’s water treatment plant malfunctioned, failing to refill the water tower.
The resulting drop in water pressure created the potential for bacteria to enter the water system.
Although pressure has been restored, residents are asked to boil water used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth or preparing food. Or, they may use bottled water until testing shows the water is safe to drink.
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 in the water. Tap water may be used for bathing and similar purposes.
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.
For more information, call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 for general guidelines on ways to reduce risks of infection.