Sept. 16, 2010: The current boil advisory issued on September 13, 2010 by the City of Elkader has been lifted. All test results were within normal limits. If you have further questions, please call City Hall at (563)245-2098.
 
Water Boil Advisory Information:
In conjunction with recent water main repairs, you may have seen or heard the term “water boil advisory.”   Often times this is also on the news in regards to water main breaks in other towns, but the City of Elkader has not had to issue a boil advisory or boil order before.  However, recently, the DNR has changed this.  Therefore, we thought it was important to provide information to all customers.  There is no problem at this time.  If, in the future there is a problem, this is important information.
 
What is a water boil advisory?  A boil advisory may be issued when there is a concern that drinking water may be contaminated, but that has not yet been confirmed.  Sample tests are taken and sent to a lab and it may be a few days before results are known.  Drinking water may be contaminated when there is a break in a water main or construction on a main is taking place.
 
What is a boil water order?  A boil order is issued when a test comes back positive, or there is reason to believe that the water is a public health risk and boiling it will remedy the situation. 
 
What precautions should I take if we are under a boil water advisory or order?
1. Boil water vigorously for ten minutes prior to use.  Use only water that has been boiled for drinking, diluting fruit juices, all food preparation and brushing teeth.  Let water cool sufficiently before drinking.
2. Place a cup or tape over all water faucets to remind yourself not to drink the water without boiling it first.
3. Do not use any ice cubes made during this advisory unless they are made from water that has been boiled.
4. Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean, hot tap water that contains one teaspoon of household bleach per gallon of water.

Do I need to boil bath water?  Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled.  Just be sure bath water is not ingested.  Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

Are some groups of people more seriously affected?  Persons with reduced immune function, such as infants under six months in age and the elderly, are more seriously impacted by possible contamination of the water.  Immune function may be reduced due to some diseases, organ transplants, and chemotherapy.  Persons in these groups should contact their personal physician for more information.
 
How will we know if we are advised or ordered to boil water?  The City will put an announcement on the AM-1400/FM-100 radio, place a sign at City Hall and at the Post Office, and a door hanger will be distributed to those in the affected area.  The door hanger will be yellow and will contain the following information:
 

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Notice of Water Boil Advisory

The City Water Department is notifying its water customers of a water supply disruption due to scheduled repairs or an emergency outage.  The water supply will be off from (time) to (time) on (date) in the area of (location).
 
As soon as repairs are completed and the water supply is turned back on, necessary sampling will be done.  You may want to save water now for consumption until the advisory is lifted.
 
1.      After the water is turned back on, there will likely be air in your water line.  We suggest you run the first water after an outage through a faucet that does not have an aerator screen.  Bathtubs or outside faucets are suggested. Open faucets slowly and let them run for a minute or two.  Air will make a spurting or hissing sound as it escapes. The first water may be cloudy due to air in the water or particles that dislodge as pipes fill with water, but this should clear quickly.   If kitchen or bathroom faucets do not perform normally following a water outage it may be necessary to remove the aerator screen and rinse away any small particles you find.  If you experience difficulties such as low pressure throughout the house or the water remains cloudy after running the water for several minutes following a water outage, please notify the Water Department.
 
2.      Every effort is made to keep contaminants out of the water supply system and to insure a safe drinking water supply.  However due to uncontrollable aspects of the repair we would advise that after running the water as instructed in paragraph 1, you boil your water for 10 minutes or use bottled water for any consumed water until further notice.  Listen to AM-1400/FM-100 for notification of when the advisory is lifted.  This will usually be within 48 hours. 
 
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your cooperation during this water supply disruption.  If you have additional questions please call City Hall from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 245-2098.
 

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I hope this information is helpful.  Please feel free to contact City Hall at (563)245-2098 or email City Hall if you have additional questions.
 
Sincerely,
 
Jennifer K. Cowsert
City Administrator/Clerk

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