A boil advisory has been issued for the city of Leon in Decatur County following a water main break late Monday evening.
The break caused the city to lose water from both of its storage facilities. Loss of water pressure can potentially allow bacteria to get into the system.
Repairs to the water main are underway, but the boil advisory will remain in place until two sets of bacteria samples have been completed showing that the water is safe.
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 such as bottled water be used until further notice.
Residents of Leon are advised to 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.
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.