(Avoca, IA) -- Customers of the Regional Water Rural Water District in southwest Iowa will need to boil their water before using it.
Regional Water says they had a problem in their distribution system, causing the system to lose pressure on Thursday. Due to the potential for bacterial contamination, it is recommended that water be boiled before using for drinking or cooking or that an alternative source be used. The pressure loss is affecting over half of their system, prompting the system-wide boil advisory. The boil order does not affect the Underwood or McClelland, Iowa areas since those towns are on a different water system.
Regional Water says water should be brought to a boil for one minute and then cooled before using. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice. The water may be used for bathing. If the water is colored, use an alternative source such as bottled water.
When water service is restored, there may be air in the water piping and the water may be discolored. It is recommended to run the first water from a faucet that does not have an aerator screen, such as a bathtub or hose bib. Open the faucet slowly to allow the air to escape. Once the water is flowing, allow the faucet to run until it is clear. The water may be cloudy at first due to air in the water or particles that dislodged as the pipes filled with water. This should clear fairly quickly. If water is cloudy or colored throughout the house and it does not clear after allowing the water to run for several minutes, use an alternative source such as bottled water.
Regional Water says the system is being repaired, repressurized, and bacteria samples will be collected. The advisory is a precaution until bacterial sample results are available. Once the results are available, customers will be notified and the advisory will be lifted.
For more information, contact the Regional Water Office at 712-343-2413.