FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Public Works Department
publicworks@norwalk.iowa.gov
515-981-9527

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, August 24, 2020

WATER BOIL ADVISORY NOTICE

Norwalk, IA (Aug. 24, 2020) - Water pressure for the City of Norwalk has been restored to normal levels. To clarify the previous communication, the City was not without water. There was a Contractor who opened several hydrants at the same time and this caused the water pressure in a few parts of the City to drop below normal levels. There was not a shortage of water and the water tower level did not drop below normal operating levels. 

Due to the low pressures that have occurred, we are recommending some residents boil their water before consuming. The boil advisory is only in effect for the people who are within the marked area of the attached map. We do not believe there is an immediate health concern, but the advisory is being issued out of an abundance of caution. The boil advisory is in effect for at least 48 hours and we will issue a notice when it is lifted. 

Here is some additional information from the CDC regarding boil advisories. https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/drinking/drinking-water-advisories/boil-water-advisory.html 

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the Public Works Department at publicworks@norwalk.iowa.gov or by calling 515-981-9527.

DRINKING WATER ADVISORY

The City of Norwalk is recommending to boil the water before using for drinking or to use an alternative source for residents included in the attached map ONLY

The City of Norwalk Water Supply had a problem in the distribution system and the system lost pressure on August 24, 2020. 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 only for residents included in the attached map.

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.

For more information, please contact Norwalk Public Works Department at (515) 981-9527. 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 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 the person listed above.

The system has been repaired, repressurized, and bacteria samples will be collected. 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. Add or change to explain situation and what is being done.

The system is working with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to resolve the situation.

05/2019 cmc                                                                                                                                                                                                                    DNR Form 542-0535a2