WEST DES MOINES—The Southwest Polk Water Service has issued a boil advisory for an area near Walnut Woods State Park in southwest Polk County after a power loss caused a drop in water pressure Saturday night.
Loss of pressure can allow bacteria to enter the water distribution system.
Less than 400 people in and near the state park are affected. The affected area includes Walnut Woods State Park, Scheifflin Estates, Bonnie Lea Acres, Julian Estates, Sylvan Rill and Sunset Heights housing developments.
Residents in those areas should boil water as a precaution. Bring all water used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth or preparing food 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 can be used for bathing and similar purposes.
The water service will collect and test two sets of water samples, taken 24 hours apart, to determine when the water is safe and 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.