Residents at specified addresses on two Waterloo streets must boil tap water before using it after water main breaks caused a loss of pressure Thursday night, according to a Friday notice from the Seneca County Health Department.
The order applies to Village of Waterloo Water District customers at 4 through 56 West Elizabeth Street and 17 through 38 Center Street. It does not cover the entire village.
Water pressure was lost at about 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, because of the first of several water main breaks, the department said. Low pressure can allow untreated water and potentially harmful microbes into the system. The notice does not say contamination has been confirmed.
Affected customers should bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute and let it cool before use. They can instead use bottled water certified for sale by the New York State Department of Health.
The precaution applies to water used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and preparing food. Residents should continue those steps until officials say the water is safe to use without boiling.
The village was repairing the waterline Friday. The department said customers would likely need to boil water for about three days while repairs and testing are completed, but it did not give a firm end time. Residents will be notified when test results show boiling is no longer necessary.
The department said harmful microbes in drinking water can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches and other symptoms. Infants, some older adults and people with severely weakened immune systems face greater risk. Anyone with persistent symptoms should seek medical advice.
For more information, residents can call the Village of Waterloo at 315-539-9131 or the Seneca County Health Department at 315-539-1945. The department asked customers to share the notice with others who use the affected water, including people in apartments, nursing homes, schools and businesses.
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