Repair of a water main break in Scranton took less than four hours. Water to all city water customers was shut off at 7 am for the repair and restored at 10:45.
However, a BOIL WATER ADVISORY is in effect until further notice.
City clerk Melinda Hinners issued the following statement: “The City of Scranton is asking that all water supply customers boil their water OR purchase bottled water as a precautionary measure. A water main break has resulted in this boil water advisory being issued for the city. The boil advisory will remain in place until the results of two sets of bacteria samples are received.
“The water main break occurred in the 400 block of Main Street on Friday, January 31, 2014. The repair has been completed and water pressure has been restored. However, due to the water system being shut down, the potential exists for bacterial contamination. There is no indication the water quality has been compromised, however; as a precautionary measure we encourage people in the City of Scranton to follow this advisory until further information is available.
“It is recommended not to 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. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. The water may be used for bathing and other similar purposes. Bacteria in the water may pose greater health risks for infants, young children, some of the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.
“General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791. The city will notify residents when the water is safe to drink. Please stay tuned to local news and radio stations for updates. Updates will also be available at http://www.scrantoniowa.com/ or on the City of Scranton, Iowa Facebook page. For further information about this boil water advisory, please contact Dee Jay Byerly at the Scranton water plant at 712-652-3851 or City Hall at 712-652-3888.“
Information will also be posted on GreeneCountyNewsOnline.
