ATHENS, Ohio — A boil water advisory was issued early Tuesday for parts of the city of Athens after a drop in water pressure compromised the distribution system, city officials said.
The advisory took effect at 2 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, and is expected to remain in place until 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, affecting customers on Columbia Avenue, Old Peach Road, North Peach Road, North Point Drive, North Wood Drive, Orchard Lane, Strouds Run Road, and Cable Lane.
City officials said the advisory is a precautionary measure recommended by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency when water system pressure falls below 20 pounds per square inch, which can occur due to water main breaks, flooding, structure fires, or routine maintenance.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to boil tap water for at least three minutes before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or preparing baby formula. Officials also recommend discarding ice cubes made during the advisory and using boiled or properly disinfected water for washing dishes.
Water does not need to be boiled for bathing, though adults should supervise children to prevent ingestion, officials said.
Immunocompromised individuals — including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, the elderly, and infants — are urged to take extra precautions, as they may be more susceptible to microbial contaminants such as Cryptosporidium.
City officials emphasized that a boil advisory does not necessarily mean the water is contaminated. Water samples require 24 hours for testing, and advisories are automatically lifted if test results show no contamination.
More information is available through the city’s boil order hotline at 740-594-5078. General guidance on reducing infection risk can be obtained from the EPA and CDC at 1-800-426-4791.