The City of West Plains issued a boil advisory put into effect Monday morning due to a water main break off of Highway 17.
The advisory is still in effect, and as of Tuesday morning a water main break on Utah Street interrupted service to customers on that street, Porter Wagoner Boulevard to Fifth Street, and some of Sixth Street and the alley behind it, while water crews worked to repair the break.
Closures due to the boil order included the West Plains Senior Center on East Main Street on Tuesday, and water to the splash pad at Butler Children’s Park was shut off until the order is lifted. According to Joy Hays, senior center director, the center is also expected to stay closed until the order is lifted.
As of Tuesday morning, water samples had been sent to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for testing, according to a public information statement released by city officials. The order will remain in place until the sample testing yields results indicating the water is safe to drink.
Officials reminded that a boil advisory is a precautionary measure, with the recommendation that water used for the preparation of food and beverages first be boiled for at least two minutes. This is because of high turbidity, particles suspended in the water, which can compromise water quality. Residents were also cautioned not to use water or ice from dispensers on home refrigerators, or from automatic ice machines at locations like restaurant or convenience store dispensers.
The Environmental Protection Agency includes health risks linked to ingesting food and drinks made with high-turbidity water as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated headaches associated with possible higher levels of organisms including parasites, certain bacterias and viruses.
Many such dispensers at local businesses have been made off-limits, with a warning sign.
WATER CONSERVATION URGED
Water conservation efforts have also been encouraged by city officials.
Tips include cutting back on or eliminating watering lawns or gardens where it isn’t necessary, adjusting irrigation timers and not using ornamental water features like fountains unless the water is recycled, making sure sprinklers are positioned to water plants rather than falling on pavement, sweeping or using a leaf blower to clean sidewalks and driveways instead of water and covering swimming pools to prevent water loss by evaporation.
The advisory will be in place as long as it takes to get two clean water samples back from the testing lab in Poplar Bluff. With the first of the two samples being sent Tuesday, the earliest it could be lifted is today.
In an effort to get some information about current city water supplies and the impact of the water main breaks and current drought conditions on water levels, the Quill placed a call in to the city’s water treatment plant on Tuesday. A message was left, but the call had not yet been returned as of press time.
Meanwhile, the city offers several additional water-saving tips, noting that water conservation not only saves water; it can save money on water bills.
City officials remind consumers to reduce household water usage, check water-using appliances and fixtures like sinks and toilets for leaks, including areas that might not be visible like underneath sinks and at water shut-off valves. Limit showers to five minutes, and turn off the tap as much as possible while brushing teeth, shaving or washing one’s hands or face.
Using the appropriate wash load size for clothes or only running the dishwasher when full can save dozens of gallons of water each load, and it’s also recommended to rinse hand washed dishes in a sink filled with rinse water rather than running the faucet during rinsing.
