BOONE, Iowa—Xenia Rural Water experienced a waterline break Monday and has issued a Boil Advisory for those affected. The posted announcement from Xenia Monday:
Due to a water main break, Xenia is having its’ customers in and around Fraser and Centerville on a drinking water advisory.
DRINKING WATER ADVISORY
The Xenia RWD (Boone System) is recommending to use an alternative source for drinking or to boil the water before using and the water may have high levels of nitrate.
DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS UNDER 6 MONTHS OLD OR USE IT TO MAKE INFANT FORMULA
The Xenia RWD had a problem within the distribution system and the system lost pressure. Due to the potential for bacterial contamination, it is being recommended that the water be boiled before using for drinking or cooking or that an alternative source be used. The nitrate levels may be near the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). Nitrate in drinking water is a serious health concern for infants less than six months old.
DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS. Infants below the age of six months who drink water or formula made with the water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome. Blue baby syndrome is indicated by blueness of the skin. Symptoms in infants can develop rapidly, with health deteriorating over a period of days. If symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.
Water, juice, and formula for children under six months of age should not be prepared with tap water. Bottled water or other water low in nitrates should be used for infants until further notice.
DO NOT BOIL THE WATER for use for infants. Boiling, freezing, filtering, or letting water stand does not reduce the nitrates. Excessive boiling can make the nitrates more concentrated, because nitrates remain behind when the water evaporates.
For adults and children over six months of age: IT IS RECOMMENDED NOT TO DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. 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 in the water. The water may be used for bathing and other similar purposes. If the water is colored, use an alternative source such as bottled water. If you are pregnant or have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor
General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791.
When water service is restored, there may be air in your water piping and the water may be discolored. It is recommended to run the first water from a faucet that does not have an aerator screen, such as a bathtub or hose bib. Open the faucet slowly to allow the air to escape. Once the water is flowing, allow the faucet to run until it is clear. The water may be cloudy at first due to air in the water or particles that dislodged as the pipes filled with water. This should clear fairly quickly. If the water is cloudy or colored throughout the house and it does not clear after allowing the water to run for several minutes, use an alternative source such as bottled water and contact Xenia RWD (515) 676-2117
This advisory is a precaution until bacterial sample results are available. You will be notified when the results are available and the advisory is lifted.
The system is working with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to resolve the situation.
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