Boil Water Advisory Instructions:

 A Boil Water Advisory is a preventative measure issued to protect the health of the community from water borne infectious agents.  A Boil Water Advisory is issued only after careful consideration from public health, regulatory agencies and municipal departments. What should I do under a Boil Water Advisory?

Once service has been restored, it is important that you follow these safety precautions:

1. You should run your water until it is clear of any sediment or air for any interruption in service. 

2. It is important that you boil your water at a rolling boil for 2-3 minutes before using the water for drinking. Other uses of the water can occur without boiling the water. 

3. To create supply of water for cooking, drinking and teeth brushing you should boil the water for 3 minutes.  Then cool the water and place in clean containers for use or refrigerate.

4. For cleaning, hot soapy water can be used for dishwashing and general cleaning without boiling the water.  As a precaution you can add one tablespoon of unscented bleach per gallon of water.

5. Laundry water does not need to be treated.

6. Unless otherwise instructed, water for showering does not need to be treated.

7.  If a boil water advisory is issued for your area of service the announcement will be released to the public by the following media outlets:

• Door Tags

• Facebook – Mt. Sterling Water and Sewer

• Local radio station WMST

  Mt. Sterling Water & Sewer System will collect water samples in the area of the break to ensure no bacteria are present within our water system.  The results of this testing should be completed within 24 hours after the samples are collected. Once all samples are clear, the state will be notified and they will lift boil water advisory.

  Please check back with one of the media sources, mentioned above, to see if the boil water advisory has been lifted. 

  After service is restored, it could take an hour or two before the boil water advisory is issued.   You may experience some “knocking” in the pipes when water service is restored.  This is due to the air that has entered the pipes and is no cause for alarm.  Also, the water may appear cloudy.  This too is caused by air in the pipes.  What you see are actually many tiny air bubbles.  This discoloration should clear up after water runs for a few minutes.

  If you have any questions you may call the office during normal business hours at 859-498-0166.  After hours, please call the Water Treatment Plant at 859-498-5371. 

  The safety and satisfaction of our customers shall always be Mt. Sterling Water & Sewer System’s top priority.