June 9 advisory urges Emerado residents to not use city water

GRAND FORKS — Residents of Emerado are being warned to not use the water, according to an order issued Tuesday, June 9, by the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality.

The city of Emerado recently learned about the potential imminent health risks to the water supply posed by the loss of pressure to the water distribution system caused by a watermain break, the department’s water warning said.

“Backflow may have occurred due to this loss of pressure and contaminants or disease-causing organisms may have entered the distribution system. The potential seriousness of this situation warrants this public notice.”

Because of the watermain break, the quality of the system is not known at this time.

The break is being addressed so that water pressure can be restored, the advisory stated. The city of Emerado will monitor the condition of the distribution system and will collect samples to test for disease-causing organisms and to determine water quality once water pressure is restored.

The “Do Not Use Water Advisory” will remain in effect until the water system has been adequately flushed and samples indicate that the water is safe to use.

“It is not known at this time how long this may take,” the department advisory said. “The health and safety of the public is our priority.”

Residents should use only bottled water for making infant formula, the advisory said. Bottled water or alternative water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth and preparing food.

Pets should not drink the water.

The department further warned residents to not boil the water, as boiling will not destroy the contaminants that may be present. Some contaminants may become more concentrated or dangerous as a result of boiling, the notice said.

Alternative water should be used for bathing, washing hands, washing dishes and doing laundry.

The water may be used for flushing toilets.

If you have consumed the water and have any health concerns, you should contact your healthcare provider, the department notice said.

Emerado residents have been urged to share this information with all others who drink this water, especially those who may not have received the advisory directly — such as people in apartments, nursing homes, schools and businesses. The state Department of Environmental Quality suggests spreading the word by posting messages in public places.

For further information, contact the city of Emerado at (218) 791-1968, the department advised.

Pamela Knudson is a features and arts/entertainment writer for the Grand Forks Herald.

She has worked for the Herald since 2011 and has covered a wide variety of topics, including the latest performances in the region and health topics.

Pamela can be reached at pknudson@gfherald.com or (701) 780-1107.