Boil Water Advisory In Sioux Falls [UPDATE]

UPDATE FROM SIOUX FALLS WATER:

'The boil water advisory for an area in northeast Sioux Falls has been lifted by the City of Sioux Falls’ Water Division. Follow-up water testing indicated that no E. coli bacteria are present in the drinking water supply, and corrective actions have been completed by City crews. Residents in the impacted area can resume consuming or using water for drinking, cooking, and all other purposes without having to boil it first.'

Here is the original story:

Residents in Northeast Sioux Falls are being warned about potentially contaminated water in their homes.

Where was the warning issued?

The city's Water Division has issued a precautionary boil water advisory for portions of its distribution system near Arrowhead Parkway and Veterans Parkway.

City of Sioux Falls

What happened?

Tuesday (September 2), a utility contractor was in the process of cleaning and testing a new water line before putting it into service. Before satisfactory water quality test results were available, a valve was opened that temporarily connected the new line to the active distribution system. This has the potential to release unsatisfactory water into the system.

What should you do?

Do not drink water without boiling it first.

Bring all water to a rolling boil for at least three (3) minutes and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice.

What are the risks?

Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a higher health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.

The symptoms listed above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience these symptoms and they persist, please seek medical advice. People at increased risk should consult their health care providers.

What is being done?

City crews have flushed the affected area and collected additional bacteriological samples throughout the system. Results from these samples will be available within 24 hours.

This is a precautionary advisory issued to protect public health until testing confirms that the water meets all state and federal safety standards. The city will inform residents when the boil order has been lifted.