Download Drinking Water Warning: Boil Water Before Using in Kirkwood

Ricky Nietubicz
Community Affairs Officer
302-366-7000
[email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2015
Drinking Water Warning: Boil Water Before
Using in Kirkwood Highway Area
Newark, DE (February 6, 2015) – A water main break occurred this morning in the Kirkwood
Highway area (see attached map). Though outside of Newark city limits, there are water customers in
this area. City of Newark water customers in this area may be at risk for E. coli bacteria contaminated
drinking water. The bacteria can make people sick and are a particular concern for people with
weakened immune systems. The Delaware Health and Social Services Office of Drinking Water has
advised the City of Newark to release a drinking water warning as a precaution.
Do not drink the water without boiling it first. Bring the water to a boil, let it boil for a minute,
and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking,
making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills the
bacteria and other organisms in the water.
E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human
or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other
symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely
compromised immune systems.
The symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any
of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk
should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.
The City of Newark is repairing the break. The public will be informed when tests show bacteria
is no longer present and boiling water is no longer needed. This should be resolved within 48 hours.
For more information, please contact Tom Coleman, City of Newark Public Works and Water
Resources Director (302) 366-7000.
Jim Richardson, Environmental Health Specialist II with the Office of Drinking Water at (302) 741-8630.
General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA Safe
Drinking Water Hotline at 1-(800) 426-4791.
Please share this information with all other people who drink this water, especially those who
may not have received this notice directly.
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