A boil water order is in effect – Timmons explains
Posted October 7, 2008 by John T. Ryan
BOIL WATER ORDER
Loss of pressure in PERU WATER DISTRICT , PWS ID #NY0900216
BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING CUSTOMERS OF THE ENTIRE PERU WATER DISTRICT ARE HEREBY ORDERED BY THE CLINTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO BOIL ALL WATER FOR
DRINKING AND CULINARY PURPOSES.
On the morning of 10/6/08 a portion of the water system lost pressure due to a
break in the water main. When the distribution pipes and mains lose pressure it
increases the chance that untreated water and harmful microbes could enter the
system. Peru Water and Sewer Superintendent Greg Timmons said the town is replacing 5,000 feet of water main on the Reservoir Rd. and that 2,500 feet parallels the existing line. Since reliable records don’t exist, there an increased risk of breaking the old line. He said, “I hope Peru residents will work with us while this project is going on. Our goal is to make the whole system better.” Timmons said he expects the project’s critical phase to be completed by about October 21st. He is in hopes that this boil water order will be lifted on October 8th.
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil,
let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water certified for
sale by the New York State Department of Health. Boiled or bottled water should be
used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation
until further notice. Boiling kills most bacteria and other organisms in the water.
Harmful microbes in drinking water can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or
other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, some elderly, and
people with severely compromised immune systems. The symptoms above are not just
caused by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and
they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.
What is being done?
Complete repairs; flush and disinfect the affected area according to AWWA standards;
restore a minimum working pressure of 20 psi; restore a minimum chlorine residual of
0.2 mg/L. Two check samples must be taken 24 hours apart from the affected area and
both must be absent of total coliform bacteria You will be informed when tests confirm
that no harmful bacteria are in the system and you no longer need to boil your water.
Posted: October 7th, 2008 under General News, Town Board News.