PRECAUTIONARY DRINKING WATER WARNING

BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING OR USE BOTTLED WATER

Due to an electrical issue at the water plant causing reduced pumping capacity, which could result in lower than normal distribution system pressures, we are recommending the following precautions:

• DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for at least 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, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice.  Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
• Disease-causing organisms can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. If you experience one or more of these symptoms and they persist, contact your doctor.  People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly people may be at increased risk.  These people should seek advice about drinking water from their healthcare providers.

The City of Elyria Water System has no evidence at this time that the water system is contaminated.  The possibility, however, does exist that the water system is contaminated and is issuing this advisory as a precaution.

What is being done?
The power company and contractors have been contacted to resolve the issue, and are currently on-site working on resolving the problem as soon as possible.
This event may also cause additional disruptions in water quality including discolored water and/or potentially a temporary increase in lead.
Once this problem is resolved, USEPA recommends the following practices:

• If water has not been used for several hours, run the tap until there is a noticeable temperature drop. Then, run water for 30 seconds to 3 minutes before using it for drinking and cooking.  This helps flush water that may have contained lead that may have leached from the plumbing.
• Use cold water for cooking, drinking, and preparing baby formula. Boiling the water will not reduce lead.
• Clean your faucet aerator regularly.

For additional information visit drinktap.org or www.epa.gov/safewater/lead
For more information, please contact Chris Pyanowski, Elyria Safety Service Director at 440-865-3796 or cpyanowski@cityofelryia.org.

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.
Please share this information with all other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools and businesses).  You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.