Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Services Division
For Immediate Release
August 11, 2007
BOIL ORDER ISSUED FOR CITY OF OYENS
MEDIA CONTACT: Lois Benson at (712) 260-0587
OYENS – A boil order has been issued for residents in the city of
Oyens in Plymouth County after a water sample taken Thursday tested
positive for fecal coliform bacteria.
Oyens residents should continue to boil water used for drinking or
cooking, brushing teeth, food preparation or any other purpose involving
human consumption until the boil order is lifted. City water may still
be used for bathing.
The water system is expected to be shock chlorinated on Sunday to kill
bacteria and then re-sampled early next week. The boil order will remain
in place until the water samples indicate the water is safe.
Oyens has a deep well, but does not have continuous chlorination to
kill bacteria. The DNR is working with the city to determine the source
of the problem. Work was being done on the system recently which may
have contributed to the problem.
Boiling destroys 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.
-30-