The Partial Precautionary Water Boil Advisory that was put in place on Friday, November 6, for Jonesboro Water System Customers on Leon Drive from Highway 4 to Holley Drive, including all streets and neighborhoods in between, is still in effect, per a statement issued on Saturday by Town of Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike” Harris.

“Until we hear back from the Department of Health that the samples we sent for testing have been cleared, the precautionary partial water boil advisory will stay in effect,” said Harris. “While we don’t believe there were any contamination problems, we must take the safe route in handling this. We appreciate and thank those affected for their understanding and patience.”

The boil advisory, the second in as many weeks for the affected area, took effect after the Town of Jonesboro Public Works Department discovered and repaired another leak in a water line on Leon Drive.

What To Do During a Boil Advisory

Drinking & Beverages: Use bottled, boiled, or disinfected water for drinking, making ice, coffee, tea, and infant formula.
Cooking & Food Prep: Use boiled or bottled water to wash fruits, vegetables, and to cook food.
Teeth Brushing: Use only bottled or boiled water to brush your teeth.
Pets: Give your pets boiled or bottled water instead of tap water.
Handwashing: Wash your hands with soap and tap water for at least 20 seconds; you can follow with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
Bathing & Showers: Be careful not to swallow any water. Showers are generally safe for older children and adults, though sponge baths are recommended for infants and people with open wounds.
Dishes: Wash dishes by hand using hot water and a solution of 1 teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water, then let them air-dry, or run your dishwasher if it reaches a sanitize cycle or at least 150°F.
Laundry: Washing clothes with tap water is generally safe.

How to Boil and Disinfect Water

Boiling: Heat the water until you see large, rapid bubbles. Let it boil continuously for 1 minute (or 3 minutes if you are at elevations above 6,500 feet). Let it cool completely.
Chemical Disinfection (If you cannot boil):

• Clear water: Add 8 drops (about 1/8 teaspoon) of unscented household liquid bleach (5% to 9% sodium hypochlorite) per gallon of water. Stir and let sit for 30 minutes.
• Cloudy water: Filter it first through a clean cloth or coffee filter, then add 16 drops (about 1/4 teaspoon) of unscented bleach per gallon. Stir and let sit for 30 minutes.