A precautionary boil advisory snapped into place Saturday afternoon for parts of Maryland Heights, Bridgeton and Earth City after a water main break dropped system pressure and raised red flags about drinking water safety. Residents in the shaded areas on the utility’s map are being urged not to drink from the tap until tests clear the system. For now, officials say the water is still fine for showering, washing dishes and other non-drinking uses.
According to First Alert 4, the advisory began at 3 p.m. Saturday after a main break that crews expect will take roughly 16 to 18 hours to fix. First Alert 4 reports that the precautionary notice is expected to remain in place for about 48 hours while water pressure is restored and samples are collected and tested.
Missouri American Water says it has already alerted affected customers and will keep them updated as repair work moves along. The utility also maintains an information page that walks through what boil advisories mean, how customers are notified and what happens after one is issued. See Missouri American Water for local contact information and additional guidance.
What residents should do
During the advisory, residents are urged to use bottled water or tap water that has been brought to a full rolling boil for drinking, cooking, making ice, preparing baby formula and brushing teeth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends bringing clear water to a rolling boil for 1 minute (3 minutes at elevations above 6,500 feet). Local officials in this case have advised boiling for three minutes as an extra precaution.
Do not use ice from freezers or automatic ice makers, and throw out any ice or beverages made with tap water before the advisory went into effect.
When the advisory may be lifted
Before lifting a boil advisory, utilities must collect water samples and wait for lab results to confirm the supply is safe. Those results are generally available the following day. The City Water Division notes that analysis typically takes about 24 hours and that advisories stay in effect until the water meets safety standards.
Residents are being told to plan for the notice to remain in place for up to 48 hours after repairs are completed. Officials will cancel the advisory through direct customer notifications and local media once the water is cleared for normal use.
Where to get updates
Missouri American Water posts current advisories and interactive maps on its website and urges customers to call 1-866-430-0820 with problems or questions. For the latest information, residents should monitor the utility’s advisory page and local news coverage until authorities formally lift the notice.
If you are inside the affected area, stick with boiled or bottled water for drinking and food preparation until you are explicitly told it is safe to go back to straight-from-the-tap.
