WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — The Southwest Polk Water Service (SPWS) issued a boil advisory Monday for an area near Walnut Woods State Park in southwest Polk County after a power loss caused a drop in water pressure Saturday night.
Loss of pressure can allow bacteria to enter the water distribution system, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Fewer than 400 people in and near the state park are affected, according to the SPWS. The affected area includes Walnut Woods State Park, Scheifflin Estates, Bonnie Lea Acres, Julian Estates, Sylvan Rill and Sunset Heights housing developments.
Residents in the affected areas should boil water as a precaution, the DNR said. Bring to a boil all water used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth or preparing food, and let it boil for one minute and then cool before using. Consumers may also use bottled water.
Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water, the DNR said. Tap water can be used for bathing and similar purposes.
The SPWS said it will collect and test two sets of water samples, taken 24 hours apart, to determine when the water is safe and the advisory can be lifted.
For more information, call the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 for general guidelines on ways to reduce risks of infection.
