(updated 11:57-a.m., 8/4/14)

Officials with the Southern Iowa Rural Water Association have issued a BOIL ADVISORY for the southeastern Cass County distribution system. SIRWA says the system has had chlorine residual that was below the allowable standard in area that includes Bridgewater and Lyman. The levels have been below tolerance since Saturday night. Due to the potential for bacterial contamination, it is being recommended that the water be boiled before using for drinking or cooking or that an alternative source be used.

SIRWA says residents in the Bridgewater and Lyman areas should NOT 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.

The system is being chlorinated and flushed to restore the residual needed. The first set of bacteria samples will be collected after system flushing is completed. The first set of samples will be taken Tuesday morning (Aug. 5th), and then a repeat set of samples will be taken Wednesday the 6th, to ensure the water is safe to drink. Pending the results, the advisory will be lifted Thursday morning, the 7th.

The advisory is a precaution until bacterial sample results are available. SIRWA is working with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to resolve the situation as quickly as possible in order to restore water service and lift the advisory.