HACKETT, Ark. — A boil order has been issued for some residents in Crawford County over the last few days, whether due to cold weather, consumption or water line issues.
Update (Jan. 6): The boil order instated by the James Fork Regional Water District has been lifted.
Crawford County
On Dec. 28, Mountainburg Mayor Susan Wilson announced that residents living in the area that are serviced by the city are also under a Boil Order after a contractor hit a water line.
"Affected customers are advised that the water may be unsafe for human consumption, and water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes be boiled briskly for one minute prior to use," Wilson said.
What is a boil order?
A boil order is a public-health advisory issued by authorities to residents when a community's drinking water is or could be contaminated by pathogens.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), these advisories mean you should:
- Use bottled or boiled water for drinking, and to prepare and cook food.
- If bottled water is not available, bring water to a full rolling boil for 1 minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for 3 minutes). After boiling, allow the water to cool before use.
- Boil tap water even if it is filtered (for example, by a home water filter or a pitcher that filters water).
- Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water line, such as ice and water from a refrigerator.
- Breastfeeding is the best infant feeding option. If you formula feed your child, provide ready-to-use formula, if possible.
Handwashing
- In many cases, you can use tap water and soap to wash hands during a boil water advisory. Follow the guidance from your local public health officials.
- Be sure to scrub your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Then, rinse them well under running water.
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Bathing and showering
- Be careful not to swallow any water when bathing or showering.
- Use caution when bathing babies and young children. Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water.
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