FULTON,MS-The Mississippi State Department of Health has issued a boil-water alert for customers who receive their drinking water from the Tombigbee Water Association water supply located in Itawamba County.
The alert went into effect late Wednesday afternoon and is expected to last until at least Friday. The alert affects approximately 1,627 customers. Health officials strongly recommend that customers of the water system bring all water to a vigorous boil for at least a minute before consuming it.
This precaution will last at least two full days and water system officials will be immediately notified when the boil water alert is lifted.
According to the MSDH, samples taken from the Tombigbee Water Association show the presence of total coliform bacteria in the drinking water.
Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other potentially harmful bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems with the treatment process or pipes which distribute the water.
The MDHS recommends the following until the alert is lifted:
Do not drink tap water while the water system is under a boil water advisory.
Do not drink from water fountains in parks, public or private buildings that receive water from the affected system.
Do not use ice unless it has been made with boiled water. Freezing will not necessarily kill harmful bacteria.
Do not use tap water to make drinks, juices, or fountain soft drinks.
Wash your dishes in boiled water, or use paper plates for the next few days.
Wash your fruits and vegetables with boiled or bottled water since they may have been exposed to affected water from grocery store sprayers.
Wash your hands and bathe as usual. Bathing is safe as long as no water is swallowed.
Brush your teeth with boiled or bottled water.
Cook with tap water if the food will be boiled for at least one minute.
Properly chlorinated water in swimming pools is safe.
Fish in aquariums are not affected.
Bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute will inactivate all major types of harmful bacteria.
Media Release/Mississippi State Department of Health Service
