For immediate release: Oct. 24, 2012

 

 

WATER ADVISORIES ISSUED FOR PILOT MOUND

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Ted Petersen at 515-725-0274 or 515-238-7871 or [log in to unmask].

 

PILOT MOUND – The city of Pilot Mound in Boone County has issued a boil advisory, with a bottled water advisory for infants younger than six months.

 

The city has started pulling water from an emergency well after the primary well was unable to meet the demand for water. Since the emergency well has not been tested recently, the water quality is not known.

 

Nitrate levels are also unknown. Infants below six months of age could become seriously ill if they drink water with elevated nitrate levels. For that reason, bottled water should be used for drinking and mixing formula. Do not use boiled water for children under six months. Boiling can concentrate the nitrates and increase the risk.

 

Drinking water should be boiled for one minute or more, and then allowed to cool for adults and children six months and older. 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 that are potentially in the water. Tap water can be used for bathing and similar purposes.

 

Because of potential water shortages, the city is asking residents to conserve water and avoid car washing, lawn watering and laundering clothes as the city investigates other water sources.

 

Additional information can be found by calling the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

 

The city or DNR will notify customers when they can use the water again.

 

- 30 -