Water Warning: Monroe County, Mississippi

Water Warning: Monroe County, Mississippi

Residents who receive drinking water from the Hamilton Water District in Monroe County are under a boil-water alert, issued by the state Department of Public Health.

Water system officials notified the health department of pressure loss for customers from Malone on Lackey South to the intersections of Old 45, Highway 45 and Hamilton Road, due to recent weather conditions, officials said, noting the alert affects “150 customers in the area.”

When a distribution system loses pressure, contaminants can siphon back into the water, health officials noted, recommending all water in the affected area be boiled “vigorously” for one minute before it is consumed.

The water system will be notified when tests reveal the water is safe to drink.

Residents are advised to not drink tap water or water from fountains in parks, public or private buildings receiving water from the affected system.

Additionally, residents are cautioned to not use ice, unless it has been made with boiled water; freezing will not kill harmful bacteria, officials said.

Bathing is safe as long as water is not swallowed; residents are advised to wash dishes in boiling water, as well as their fruits and vegetables, which may have been exposed to contaminated water from grocery store sprayers.

Residents also are urged to brush their teeth with boiled or bottled water and to only cook with tap water if the food will be boiled for at least one minute.