Residents of Akron's Highland Square area woke up to a precautionary boil water advisory today following a pair of water main breaks. The City of Akron Water Supply Bureau is urging all customers in the West Akron area inside the demarcated red zone on the provided map to boil their water before use. This advisory comes after incidents on Morningside Drive and Delia Avenue that led to reduced water pressures in the vicinity.
The interruptions affected high-profile locations, including Blair House, Carlton House, and the Portage Country Club. Akron's water crews were promptly dispatched and anticipate completing repairs by this afternoon. Until then, the Office advises residents to boil their water, as stated in the City of Akron press release, "Water used for drinking or cooking should be brought to a full boil for a minimum of 3 minutes and returned to the proper temperature before use."
Moreover, the drop in water pressure could lead to discolored water or a temporary surge in lead levels—a risk particularly acute for homes with lead pipes or fixtures. The USEPA advises running the tap until the water cools, then letting it run for an additional 30 seconds to three minutes before using it for consumption or meal prep. Residents are also reminded to use cold water for these purposes, as boiling does not diminish lead content, and to clean out faucet aerators on a regular basis.
A complete restoration of the water supply, along with the resumption of normal pressure, is expected once repairs are finished, though the boil advisory will remain in effect for at least 18 to 24 hours post-repair. The city intends to keep citizens informed about the situation, particularly regarding the lifting of the advisory. For further information on protecting your household from possible lead exposure, follow the recommendations outlined by the USEPA, with the full guidelines available via the city's notice.
