The Norman Public Water Supply has advised the users of its drinking water in areas north of Robinson and east of Flood only to use water that has been brought to a full, rolling boil for at least one minute, bottled water, or water from another acceptable source for consumption, use in food preparation, dishwashing, and brushing teeth. This precautionary boil advisory was issued by Norman due to E. coli in the drinking water.
This precautionary boil advisory applies ONLY to customers in the areas north of Robinson and east of Flood.
Only customers of the Norman Public Water Supply are affected. This precautionary boil advisory does not apply to customers on their own private water well.
Food facilities in the affected area MUST immediately close unless they can provide an approved alternative source of water i.e. bagged ice, bottled water, “boiled” water (the water must remain at a rolling boil for at least one minute. Large volumes of water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least three to five minutes) licensed potable drinking water tanker truck connected to main water supply.
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a full, rolling boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, preparing food, making baby formula, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, bathing infants who may drink bath water, or cleaning open wounds until further notice. Boiling kills 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. Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, 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.
Bacterial contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source (for example, following heavy rains) or intrusion from nearby sources of contamination occurs. It can also happen due to a break in the distribution system (pipes) or a failure in the water treatment process. The City is investigating the cause of the contamination. At this time the cause is suspected to be in relation to ongoing work to install water main pipes in connection with the water well project. Water from the Water Treatment Plant and OKC water are still safe to drink. Water will continue to be supplied from these sources at this time and the water mains connected with the well project are being flushed.
The Norman water system will notify users when the water is considered safe for human consumption.
The Boil Advisory will remain in place until two consecutive days of sampling are negative for total coliform bacteria and with compliant chorine residuals. The Norman water system will notify users when the water is considered safe for human consumption in the advisory area.
