Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Services Division
 
For Immediate Release                                                                 June 10, 2008
MEDIA CONTACT: Jeff Vansteenburg at (641) 424-4073 or (641) 425-3001 or [log in to unmask]
 
WATER SUPPLY ADVISORIES AND STATUS FOR FLOODED COMMUNITIES
 
MASON CITY—The DNR sent field office staff from Mason City to towns located along the Shell Rock River Tuesday. Their priority was to protect citizen health and evaluate water supplies in these towns that were hard hit by recent flooding. 
 
Another DNR priority is the drinking water supply in Mason City. 
 
The city of Rockford in Floyd County has issued a boil water advisory because one of the city’s two wells has been flooded. Chlorine residuals in the water supply are low, indicating that chlorine is being used to disinfect possible minor contamination in the system.   Citizens are advised to boil any water used for drinking or cooking. The city is sampling water and increasing the amount of chlorine in the system. 
 
In Butler County, the water supply for the city of Greene is ok. The water supply wells were not flooded, however, chlorine residuals are low. Both of the wastewater pumping stations were flooded, so wastewater is not reaching the lagoons. Instead it is bypassing to the Shell Rock River.
 
Also in Butler County, while the city of New Hartford was evacuated due to flooding, the city’s wells did not flood. The system remained pressurized. Water samples will be tested to ensure that drinking water is safe for returning residents. 
 
Wells are ok, too, in the city of Clarksville in Butler County. No flooding occurred, despite misinformation to the contrary. However, citizens have been asked to reduce water use to lessen the high flows going to the wastewater treatment plant. The city will collect and test samples from the water supply.
 
The water supply is also acceptable in the city of Shell Rock in Butler County. No flooding problems were noted. 
 
In Cerro Gordo County, Mason City is continuing to send highly chlorinated water through the water stored at the water treatment plant. Depending upon water sample results available at 11 p.m. Tuesday, the city plans to refill water towers, an 18- to 20-hour process. Once pressure has been restored, the DNR will collect 30 water samples for testing. Lab results may be available by Friday afternoon. However, residents should boil all water used for drinking or cooking until they are notified by the city or DNR that water is safe to drink. 
 
Residents that are in cities under a boil advisory should boil water used for drinking or cooking, brushing teeth, food preparation or any other purpose involving human consumption. City water may still be used for bathing. 
 
Boiling destroys bacteria and disease-causing organisms, which may be in the water. Water should be brought to a boil, boiled one minute and then allowed to cool before using. More information on disinfecting water is available on the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.  
 
Residents should continue to boil their water until the city or DNR notifies them that water is meeting standards and is safe to drink. The DNR will lift the boil advisory after all samples have tested negative for the presence of bacteria.
 
Writer: Karen Grimes
 
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