Sanborn, Iowa — It’s only routine maintenance, but the City of Sanborn is advising its residents to boil their water.
Sanborn Water Superintendent Chris Schoeneman says that the city’s water tower is being cleaned on Wednesday, August 10th.
Schoeneman says there are no issues with the water system, it’s just a routine cleaning, and it’s not even likely that there would be a bacteria issue — but to be safe, the state requires a boil order and a test for bacteria when the work is done.
He says the all-clear will probably come on Thursday.
The Sanborn water department says you should boil water before using for drinking or cooking or an alternative source should be used. It is recommended not to drink the water without boiling it first.
They say if you’re going to use Sanborn water during that time, you should bring the water to a boil, let it boil one minute, and let it cool before drinking or cooking with it. Bottled water is also an alternative. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice, according to Schoeneman, and hopefully that notice will come on Thursday.
He says boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. The water may be used for bathing and other similar purposes without boiling.
For more information, you can contact Chris Schoeneman at 712-930-5444.
General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
