The Town of Jonesboro is still under a WATER BOIL ADVISORY. This was confirmed by Jonesboro Mayor J. “Spike” Harris at 5:30 pm on Saturday, July 13th, when he also stated that the advisory would remain in effect until the water samples sent to the Louisiana Department of Health this past Thursday were deemed safe.

“Hopefully in a few days we will be able to lift the Water Boil Advisory but for now this is still in place,” said Harris. “Users are asked to take every precaution to stay safe by observing water boil procedures during this time.” 

The good news is that the major breach in an 8″ water main and separate situation involving a 6″ line have been completely repaired and water pressure for customers are back at full strength. 

“Kudo’s go to our Water Department crews for getting us back on line as quickly as they did,” added Harris. “You really can’t appreciate the tremendous work they did, unless you are familiar with what all is involved in having to deal with problems with two major transmission lines in less than a 24 hour period. They did a fantastic job.”

Harris also was complimentary of the customers of the Jonesboro Water System. 

“I also want our water customers to know how much we appreciate our water system users cooperation in helping getting our system back to full working order,” said Harris. “There assistance by using water in a limited capacity played a big role in allowing our tanks and lines to quickly fill so that the water pressure could return to normal.” 

WATER BOIL ADVISORY TIPS

During a boil water advisory, bottled water is the best option until officials say otherwise. If you do not have bottled water available, the next best option is to boil your tap water to make it safe to drink. If boiling your tap water is not possible, you can disinfect it to make it safe to drink.

Water Filters

You should boil your tap water even if it is filtered. Most kitchen and other household water filters do not remove bacteria or viruses. Filters collect germs from water, so all water filters should be replaced after the advisory has been lifted. Anyone
changing the cartridges should wear gloves and wash hands afterwards. Flush water through the filter for several minutes and then replace the removable part of the filter unit as needed.

Preparing and Cooking Food

Use bottled water or boiled water that has cooled to: wash all fruits and vegetables, cook food, prepare drinks such as coffee, tea, etc., wash food preparation surfaces.

Use of Ice

Do not use ice from ice trays, ice dispensers, or ice makers. Throw out all ice made with tap water. Make new ice with bottled or boiled water.

Handwashing

In many situations, you can use tap water and soap to wash your hands. Follow the guidance of your local public health officials or emergency managers. Be sure to scrub your hands with soap and water (warm or cold) for 20 seconds and rinse them well under running water. It is important to dry hands completely with a towel or by letting
them air dry.

Bathing and Showering

Be careful not to swallow any water when bathing or showering. Use caution when bathing babies and young children. Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water.

Brushing Teeth

Brush teeth with bottled or boiled water that has cooled.

Washing Dishes

Use disposable plates, cups, and utensils, if possible. If you do not have disposable dishes, follow the instructions below. Household dishwashers generally are safe to use if the water reaches a final rinse temperature of at least 150 degrees or if the dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle.
To wash dishes by hand:
o Wash and rinse the dishes as you normally would using hot water.
o In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water.
o Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least one minute.
o Let the dishes air dry completely before using again.

Laundry

It is safe to do laundry as usual.

Pet Care

Pets can get sick from the same germs as people. It is a good idea to give them bottled water or boiled water that has been cooled for drinking.