Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Services Division
For Immediate Release
August 20 , 2007
BOIL ORDER ISSUED FOR CITY OF CASCADE
CASCADE — A boil order for water has been issued for the city of
Cascade in Dubuque County after a water pipe and a sewage pipe were
simultaneously ruptured during a construction project.
The boil order is being issued as a precaution after the two lines were
ruptured, posing the potential for cross contamination. The water line
has been repaired. The city will be raising chlorine levels to destroy
any bacteria that may have entered the system and is doing testing
throughout the city. The boil order will be in effect until water
testing indicates the water is safe which is expected to be until at
least late Tuesday or sometime Wednesday.
“The lesson here is that there needs to be a separation distance
between water and sewer mains. There also needs to be reliable maps
available that show where these utilities are located so accidents like
this can be avoided,” said Mike Wade, an environmental specialist with
the DNR’s field office in Manchester.
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.
For more information, contact Kevin Baskins at 515-249-2814.
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