Water main breaks trigger boil advisory for Brunswick, small portion of Strongsville

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cleveland Water issued a boil water advisory on Saturday for customers in Brunswick and a small portion of Strongsivlle near Pearl and Boston roads following multiple water main breaks in Strongsville (see map).

Cleveland Water issued the precautionary measure due to the possibility that organisms causing illness may have entered the water supply, though the utility company has no evidence the water system is currently contaminated, according to a report from Cleveland Water.

Residents in affected areas should flush and boil water before consuming it. Cleveland Water advises removing aerator screens and flushing all taps used for drinking and cooking for at least three minutes before reattaching aerators. Water should be brought to a boil in a clean pot or kettle and boiled for at least three minutes before cooling.

The city recommends residents use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and preparing food or baby formula. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

Waterborne illness symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort. Residents experiencing persistent symptoms should contact their doctor. People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and the elderly should seek medical advice from their healthcare providers about drinking water.

People who live in apartments, nursing homes, schools should also take precaution when drinking water.

The main breaks may cause discolored or cloudy water and a temporary increase in lead levels in drinking water. Affected residents as a precaution may use a water filter certified to remove lead for water used for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth. In such case, water should be boiled before using a filter, the city reported.

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends cleaning faucet aerators regularly, flushing taps if water has not been used for several hours, and using cold water for cooking, drinking, and preparing baby formula. Hot tap water may contain higher levels of metals than cold, and boiling water will not reduce lead.

Customers in communities surrounding the affected boil advisory area may experience discolored or cloudy water but can safely consume it without boiling, according to the city.

The advisory will remain in effect until lifted by Cleveland Water. For more information, contact Cleveland Water’s Water Quality Line at 216-664-2639 or waterquality@clevelandwater.com.