The Fall Creek Falls Utility District in Bledsoe and Van Buren County is experiencing problems with their intake pumps, which has resulted in low tank levels and low system pressure in the drinking water system.

As a precautionary measure, the utility district is asking customers to boil water before using it for consumption.

What does this mean? What should I do?

• DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for 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. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
• Loss of system pressure can introduce disease-causing organisms into the water system. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. The symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.
• People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice from their healthcare providers about drinking water.

What is being done?

Fall Creek Falls Utility District is purchasing water from a neighboring utility. They are also working with experts to get the pump working again. Once system pressure is restored, bacteriological tests will be conducted throughout the system. The utility will inform customers when tests show no bacteria and you no longer need to boil your water. The utility anticipates resolving the problem within the next few days. Bottled water will be on hand; however, it will be a limited supply.

For more information, please contact (423) 881-5065.