Boil order issued for parts of Bonneville County after loss of pressure

AMMON — A boil order is in effect for parts of Ammon and rural Bonneville County on Wednesday morning.

According to a news release from Falls Water, due to a loss of pressure, a boil order is in effect for 6,700 households and businesses in Bonneville County north of the city of Ammon and east of the city of Idaho Falls.

The Morningview and Taylor Mountain water systems are not affected.

“On Jan. 22, at approximately 7:10 a.m., we experienced a drop in water pressure below 20 psi/loss of pressure due to an electrical power surge that affected multiple pumps,” says the release. “A drop in/loss of water pressure creates conditions that could allow contamination to enter the distribution system through backflow, by back pressure, or back-siphonage. As a result, there is an increased chance that the drinking water may contain disease-causing organisms.”

Falls Water says the cause of the drop in water pressure has been isolated, system pressure has been restored, and water samples are being collected to check the water quality.

The company anticipates resolving the problem within 72 hours and will alert users when the boil order ends.

What should you do? According to Falls Water:

As a precaution, before drinking the water, let it boil for one minute and 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. You may continue to use your water to wash your hands using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Flush your water lines if discoloration occurs. Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. The symptoms above are caused by many organisms. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice about drinking water from their healthcare providers. If you are a daycare provider or a business that prepares food, please get in touch with the Eastern Idaho Public Health Department at (208) 523-5382.

For more information, please call Scott Bruce at (208) 522-1300 or email [email protected].