City of Richland Issues Boil Advisory
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Posted: December 15, 2010
RICHLAND – The City of Richland in Keokuk County has issued a boil advisory for its drinking water system.
A major water main break early Wednesday caused the water system to lose pressure. Once pressure has been lost within a water system, there is potential for bacterial contamination, prompting the boil advisory.
It is recommended not to drink the water without boiling it first. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. The water may be used for bathing and other similar purposes.
General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791.
The City of Richland is repairing the water main, and will flush the lines and collect bacteria samples. The boil advisory will remain in place until necessary testing can take place to ensure the water is safe. The city is working with the DNR to resolve the situation.
Source: Iowa DNR
