Toho Water Authority is announcing that a precautionary boil water advisory has been issued for customers in the Harmony community and Ameritrail customers located north of US 441. This is due to a valve being closed by a contractor working in the area causing a temporary loss of water pressure in the distribution system.
About 2,100 customers are affected.
The precautionary boil water advisory will be in effect until lifted by Toho Water Authority.
Under a precautionary boil water advisory, residents are advised to boil their water prior to consumption (drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth or washing dishes) as a precautionary measure. A vigorous boil for one minute is adequate to render water bacteriologically safe for drinking. As an alternative bottled water may be used.
Under a precautionary boil water advisory, water used for consumption can be disinfected by any one of the following methods:
• Bringing the water to a rolling boil and holding it there for one (1) minute.
• Using a disinfecting chemical. If you cannot boil water, you should put eight (8) drops of common household bleach which is about 1/8th teaspoon, into one (1) gallon of tap water, then shake it, and allow it to stand for 30 minutes before drinking. If the water is cloudy, use sixteen (16) drops, about 1/4th teaspoon of bleach instead of 8, shake it, and let it stand for 30 minutes. There should be a slight chlorine odor. Use common household bleach that has 5% to 6% active ingredients. Use food-grade containers. Do not use bleach that has perfume scents added.
• Using water purification tablets or iodine that many sports and camping stores sell.
• You can also buy commercially bottled water for consumption and food preparation.
Tap water may be used for showering, baths, shaving, and washing. Children and disabled individuals should have their baths supervised to ensure water is not ingested. Though the risk of illness is minimal, individuals who have recent surgical wounds, are immunosuppressed, or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled or boiled water for cleansing until the notice is lifted.
For more information, visit www.tohowater.com or contact Toho Water Authority’s customer service center at 407-944-5000.