The Chatham Water System has been placed under boil advisory by the Louisiana Department of Health because of a power outage that took place on April 10th. This boil advisory affects New Hope St. Clair Water customers.

“Because of the power outage due to weather, the water produced by our water supply system is of questionable microbiological quality. Therefore, as a precaution, the Chatham Water System is issuing a BOIL ADVISORY effective immediately,” says Chatham Mayor Gregory Harris.

This BOIL ADVISORY is to remain in effect until rescinded by the Chatham Water System.

It is recommended that all consumers disinfect their water before consuming it (including fountain drinks), making ice, brushing teeth, or using it for food preparation or rinsing of foods by the following means:

Boil water for one (1) full minute in a clean container. The one-minute starts after the water has been brought to a rolling boil. (The flat taste can be eliminated by shaking the water in a clean bottle or pouring it from one clean container to another, or by adding a pinch of salt to each quart of water that is boiled.)

Upon notification from the Office of Public Health’s State Regional Laboratory that the samples collected from the water supply have been found to be safe, the State Health Department will notify the water supply of the sample results. Upon such notification, the Chatham Water System will then rescind the Boil Advisory and notify its customers that the water has been found to be safe.