(Oakland, Iowa) –  Officials with the City of Oakland, Sunday, issued a Boil Water Notice for residents of the community. The notice was issued due to a loss of pressure in the City of Oakland’s water distribution system that resulted in a possible negative pressure situation. The Boil Water Notice applies to all customers on North Main Street, in Oakland, and was placed into effect after the water system lost pressure at around 9-a.m. Sunday, when a pipe broke at the water treatment plant facility. When a water main loses pressure, it increases the chance that untreated water and harmful microbes can enter the water supply.

Potential microbes in drinking water can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches and other symptoms, and may pose a special health risk for infants, some elderly persons, and people with severely compromised immune systems. City officials say crews repaired the damaged area of the water system and at last report, it was a normal pressure. Samples of the water are being taken to assess the possibility of contamination. Testing will continue until the potential threat for contamination has passed.

Residents of Oakland are asked to boil water used for drinking (or use bottled water) for at least the next 24-hours. The City will post a notice on its website and social media pages when the Boil Notice is rescinded. For more information, contact the Oakland City Hall at 712-482-6811, or Josh Billings at 712-307-0709.