Regional Water users in Pottawattamie County on Idlewood Road east of Railroad Highway, and in the City of McClelland, are being asked to boil water before drinking or cooking, or to use bottled water.

Officials with the Regional Rural Water Association said today (Monday), there was a problem in the distribution system, and the system lost pressure on Sunday, June 30th. Due to the potential for bacterial contamination, rural water users in and near McClelland should take the aforementioned precautions until the system is restored.

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER BEFORE 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.

For more information, contact Kerry Kiesal at Regional Water. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA at 1-800-426-4791.

The system has been TEMPORARILY repaired and repressurized, but bacteria samples will not be collected until final repairs are made. The Advisory is a precaution until bacterial sample results are available. The public and media will be notified when that occurs. The Rural Water Assoc. is working with the Iowa DNR to resolve the situation.

Officials say when water service is restored, there may be air in your water pipes, and the water may be discolored. It is recommended that you run the water first 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 the water is clear.