For immediate release
Aug. 14, 2007
1. Boil order for Chariton drinking water lifted
2. Boil order still in effect for Wiota and Oyens
DNR LIFTS BOIL ORDER FOR CHARITON DRINKING WATER
MEDIA CONTACT: Jim Stricker at (515) 725-0270.
CHARITON The DNR lifted a boil order for Chariton residents Tuesday
at 10:30 a.m. after laboratory results indicated the water is safe to
drink.
The boil order has been in effect since Thursday afternoon after high
levels of turbidity, low chlorine residuals and elevated bacteria levels
were found in routine water testing.
City water is safe to drink and residents can once again use the
public water supply for drinking, cooking, teeth brushing and other
human consumptive uses, said Jim Stricker, supervisor of the Des
Moines DNR field office.
Stricker added that the city water board and the Des Moines Water Works
will continue to work together to address ongoing non-acute problems
with the water supply.
Des Moines Water Works teams could continue to work in Chariton for
oversight and training for several months.
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BOIL ORDER STILL IN EFFECT FOR WIOTA, OYENS
MEDIA CONTACTS: in Wiota Keith Wilken at (712) 243-1934; in Oyens -
Lois Benson at (712) 262-4177.
WIOTA The boil orders for the Cities of Wiota in Cass County and
Oyens in Plymouth will remain in effect until residents are notified by
the DNR.
The DNR Atlantic field office collected water samples Thursday after
the Wiota distribution system was shock chlorinated, but laboratory
results received Monday tested positive for total coliform bacteria in
one sample.
The DNR took additional water samples on Monday and laboratory results
are expected back later this week, but Wiota residents should continue
to boil water used for human consumption until the boil order is lifted
by the DNR.
In Oyens, system operators collected water samples on Monday following
shock chlorination of the system on Sunday. Laboratory test results are
expected back later this week.
Residents should continue to boil water until the DNR issues a press
release indicating the water is safe to drink.
Residents of both cities should boil any water used for drinking,
cooking, tooth brushing, food preparation or any other use for human
consumption. The water may still be used for bathing.
Boiling destroys bacteria present 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.
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