(Exira) Regional Water, in coordination with the Iowa DNR, has issued a boil advisory for the eastern part of their system.
Officials say the break occurred on a 10-inch main line serving customers in Service Areas 4 and 7. Crews identified the damaged section and shut down the line between those service areas to begin repairs.
As a result, water service has been disrupted for customers east of a line stretching from just east of Kirkman to just east of Harlan, continuing south to the east side of Corley. This loss in pressure affects rural customers and customers in Brayton and Jacksonville.
(Notice from the City of Exira: “The City of Exira is currently not affected by the current Regional Water Rural Water Association boil advisory. We were able to isolate Exira’s water supply before potentially contaminated water entered our system. Please conserve so that the city can avoid taking water from RWRWA. If we can conserve and only use the water in our tower until RWRWA can lift their boil advisory, the City of Exira will not need to implement a boil advisory. We appreciate your cooperation.”)
Due to the potential for bacterial contamination, residents are strongly advised not to consume tap water without first boiling it. Water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute and then allowed to cool before use. Alternatively, bottled water may be used.
The advisory applies to drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, and food preparation. Boiling is effective in killing bacteria and other harmful organisms that may be present. Water may still be used for bathing and similar purposes; however, if discoloration is present, residents should switch to an alternative source.
Regional Water officials also warned that once service is restored, customers may notice air in the pipes or discolored water. Residents are encouraged to run water from a faucet without an aerator, such as a bathtub spout or outdoor hose, allowing it to flow until it clears.
If cloudiness or discoloration persists after several minutes, customers should continue using bottled water and contact the Regional Water office at 712-343-2413.
Following system repairs and repressurization, water samples will be collected and tested for bacteria. The advisory will remain in effect as a precaution until those results confirm the water is safe. Residents will be notified when the advisory is lifted.
