Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

Press Room

Contact: Marty Berkowitz (614) 387-2962
berkowitz@occ.state.oh.us

Aqua Ohio issues boil alert following water main break

OCC offers tips to consumers on how to handle

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Jan. 11, 2013 – The Aqua Ohio Water Co. (AQUA) issued a boil advisory earlier today after a water main break disrupted service in Marion early this morning. The break was isolated and service was later restored to nearly all of Aqua’s customers.

Because of the incident, Aqua, as required by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, issued a boil alert to its customers. The advisory is effective until 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12.

The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) is issuing this advisory to consumers to describe what a boil alert is and the steps to take to ensure that their water remains safe to use while the utility takes necessary steps to restore its water into compliance with minimum standards.

During an alert period, consumers should boil all water used for drinking, cooking and oral hygiene (brushing teeth) for a minimum of one minute of boiling and then wait the necessary time for the water to cool. It is also a good idea to keep a supply of cooled water, after boiling, in the refrigerator for drinking and for pets. Dispose of beverages and ice cubes made with tap water; and do not swallow water while showering or bathing. Minor cuts should not be treated with unboiled water.

The purpose of these precautionary steps is to kill any bacteria that may have entered the water during the service disruption. After such an incident, the utility collects and tests samples to make sure that water is once again safe for use. When this is accomplished, the advisory is then lifted and customers are notified that they may resume their normal usage.

About the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, represents the interests of 4.5 million households in proceedings before state and federal regulators and in the courts. The state agency also educates consumers about electric, natural gas, telephone and water issues. For more information, please visit the OCC website at www.pickocc.org.