Iowa DNR issues boil advisory for regional customers in southwest Iowa

AVOCA, Iowa (WOWT) — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is issuing a boil advisory for customers of Avoca’s Water Treatment plant.

In a release sent Saturday, it says all customers in southwest Iowa, except those in and around McClelland, Underwood, and Weston should avoid drinking tap water without boiling it first.

All of Shelby County, as well as portions of Pottawattamie, Harrison, Audubon, and Cass counties are affected by the ban. The Urban Bluffs area is not subject to the advisory.

The advisory is due to depressurization in water towers in the area.

That depressurization was due to high demand that caused the system to lose pressure on May 10. Drought-impacted areas are struggling to meet water demands.

Because of the loss in pressure, there is potential for bacterial contamination.

The pressure loss affected over half of the system, so the DNR is issuing a boil advisory for the whole system.

In a boil advisory, the DNR says customers should boil all tap water for one minute, or to use bottled water for human consumption.

When water service is restored, there may sill be some air in the piping and slight water discoloration. The DNR recommends opening faucets slowly to let the air escape, and then running the water until it is clear.

This advisory will remain until bacterial samples are collected, results are available, and the advisory is lifted.

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