Boil order still in effect for Hardy
A boil order was issued for the city of Hardy last Saturday, July 9, and remains in effect as of Friday, July 15. Bottled water for city residents is available at the Hardy Fire Station. The city is awaiting tests of a second water sample that has been sent to the laboratory.
A boil order remains in effect for the city of Hardy, as of Friday, July 15.
A boil order means residents should bring all water to a boil and let it boil for one minute. Let the water cool before using. Citizens are advised to used boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and any water used in food preparation. Untreated water may be used for bathing and other non-consumptive purposes.
Bottled water is available free of charge at the Hardy Fire Station.
The process of boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. Bacteria in the water may pose greater health risks for infants, young children, some of the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.
Call the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 for more information.
The city will lift the boil order once the city’s water samples test clean for bacteria.
According to Scott Wilson, an environmental specialist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Field Office in Mason City, the city had chlorinated the system a second time and should have results back from the sampling on Saturday. Wilson said there is no obvious source for the e-coli bacteria found in the city drinking water. "A potential reason identified is that the city has depressurized the system a few times in the course of maintenance, making the system more vulnerable to contamination," Wilson said.
The boil order impacts about one dozen residences and businesses in the community, including the Gold Eagle Cooperative Elevator.
