Menomonie shrinks boil water advisory, irrigation ban in effect until August

Menomonie has shrunk its boil-or-bottle water advisory after bacteria testing results returned, but some areas of the city are still encouraged to avoid using well water.

In a Friday afternoon update, the city said all but one test result came back negative for coliform bacteria. As a result, most of the city has now been cleared from the advisory.

However, a boil-or-bottle water advisory remains in effect for the municipal water system on Grand View Heights Court and Meadow Hill Drive, west of Wilson Creek.

The update says city crews will go door-to-door in that area to deliver a copy of the advisory and some bottled water to all residents.

Menomonie residents can pick up bottled water at the Community Services Shop at 621 11th Avenue West from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday.

After an advisory is lifted, residents are advised to flush cold water through all fixtures used for human consumption for five minutes.

Menomonie’s water system has been experiencing low water pressure, especially in places of higher elevation since Wednesday, prompting action from city officials.

Residents may see sputtering air in their water fixtures as some spots still have trapped air that will need to be “burped,” according to officials.

On Friday, the city said all water service areas have water pressure and water levels in the elevated water towers are half full.

Once water levels are sufficient in those towers, the water pipe walls will need to be flushed out, according to the city’s public works director.

The city is asking people to report any water that is flowing in an odd location, and residents will be given written warnings if they continue to irrigate until the ban ends on Aug. 1.

City crews are canvasing the water system looking for potential leaks, the update added, and the city is asking residents to report any flowing water in an odd location.

To get the latest updates on the water advisory, download the KSTP app below.