WOODWARD, Iowa — A drinking water boil advisory was issued Monday afternoon for the city of Woodward, the city announced.
Water service was interrupted for residents north of the High Trestle Trail when a water main broke, the city said. Service will likely be restored Tuesday.
For residents on the north side of town who still have water service, no boil order has been issued. The boil order applies only to water customers whose service has been interrupted.
“If you currently do not have water service or have lost water at any point today, you are under a boil order until further notice,” the city said.
For more information, contact the Woodward City Hall at 515-438-2560.
During the period of the boil order, Woodward water customers should boil water as a precaution. Bring all water used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth or preparing food to a boil, and then let it boil for one minute before cooling and using. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
Residents may also use bottled water during the temporary boil order. Tap water can still be used for bathing and similar purposes.
General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.
When Woodward’s water service is restored, there might be air in residents’ water piping, and the water might be discolored. It is recommended that residents run the first water 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 it is clear. The water might be cloudy at first due to air in the water or particles that dislodged as the pipes filled with water. This should clear fairly quickly.
This boil advisory is a precaution until bacterial sample results are available. Residents will be notified when the results are available and the advisory is lifted.