Boil order for Liverpool area water

Chloroforms, which is another word for bacteria, was found Sept. 4 at one of the utility’s four test sites.

Region Engineering and Works Department Director, Brad Rowter said the water should be boiled for at least one minute or other sources used.

The water should not be used for drinking, preparing infant formulas, juices, ice cubes, washing fruit and vegetables, and dental hygiene.

It is safe to take a shower and wash one’s hands.

Rowter said the tests are done once a week. In this case, the fire hall results were positive. The other three areas came back negative and all four tests showed proper amounts of chlorine were present, he said.

“If there’s chlorine present, it destroys bacteria. Why do we have a sample? It may have been a procedural error but we don’t know that. I have confidence in the water; however, procedural regulations mandate that the utility put a boil water order on.”

The boil order will be in place until at least Sunday or Monday because the law requires two consecutive negative tests before it can be lifted.

Rowter added there have been no water line breaks, no flushing underway, chlorine was present, the treatment plant is working perfectly and, “It’s all the same water.”

He said if symptoms such as diarrhea occur individuals should go to the hospital.