A major water-main break in Council Bluffs early Wednesday left a number of customers without service. The break affecting mostly the west end of the Bluffs occurred about 2:30 a.m. in the area of Avenue E and North Ninth Street. Leaking water was stopped by 4:30 a.m., and Council Bluffs Water Works department crews were working to re-pressurize the system. No evacuations were ordered but some low-level flooding did occur in the area, leaving some streets heavily damaged.
While loss of pressure does not necessarily mean the water has been contaminated, it does mean that pathogens may be able to enter the piped-water system and thus be carried to consumers.
The Council Bluffs Works is issuing a pre-cautionary Boil Water Advisor. Do not use tap water for drinking or food preparation. Under a Boil-Water Advisory (BWA) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that water be brought to a rolling boil for one minute before it is consumed in order to kill protozoa, bacteria and viruses.
The Council Bluffs Works will be taking water samples through out the city to verify the safety of the water and lift the advisory as soon as possible. Refer to your media outlets for more information.
