Jackson Free Press

The City of Jackson Public Works Department has issued a "boil water" notice for residents in Jackson. If you use municipal water for consumption or cooking, it's recommend that you allow the water to come to a rolling boil for at least one minute before allowing it to cool and use. (A recent notice on the Weather channel also recommended that pregnant women and children under 6 months of age not consume boiled water.) The City is also asking residents to conserve water so that it's available for hospital and other emergency uses.

The City also says that Entergy is working to restore power to its customers in the Metro and that the boil water notice may remain in effect through Friday.

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More on water safety: Water system officials notified the Mississippi Department of Health of a system wide pressure loss due to power outages caused by Hurricane Katrina. When a distribution system loses pressure, contaminants can siphon back into the water. Public health officials consider any system that loses pressure contaminated until tests prove otherwise. Health officials strongly recommend that all water be boiled vigorously for one minute before it is consumed. Customers will be notified when tests show that the water is safe to drink. Checklist for Safe Water Use DO NOT 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 system. Do not use ice made from water today. Freezing will not necessarily kill harmful bacteria. Do not use tap water to make drinks, juices or fountain soft drinks. Do not use tap water to make tea or coffee unless the brewing process brings the water to a boil for at least one minute. DO 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. AND REMEMBER: Properly chlorinated water in swimming pools is safe. Fish in aquariums are not affected. Bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute will destroy all major types of harmful bacteria. For updates check the Mississippi State Department of Health Website at: www.msdh.state.ms.us

DonnaLadd

Aug 31 2005