A boil water advisory in the City of Excelsior on Wednesday did more than rattle a few faucets. It also sent a wave of confusion through nearby Chanhassen, where plenty of residents carry Excelsior mailing addresses but actually drink from a different water system.
The overlap was messy enough that Chanhassen officials jumped online to calm everyone down, reminding worried neighbors that a ZIP code is not a water bill.
What Happened
City officials issued the advisory after a loss of pressure in Excelsior's water distribution system raised the possibility that contamination could seep into the pipes, according to FOX 9.
Pressure was later restored, crews flushed the system, and bacterial samples were collected while the advisory remained in place. Residents were told to boil water or rely on bottled water until testing shows the system is clear, FOX 9 reported.
Who Is Actually Affected
The advisory applies only to customers served by the City of Excelsior water system, not everyone whose mail says "Excelsior" on the envelope.
In a social media post, the City of Chanhassen told residents that if they pay their water bill to Chanhassen, they are not part of the advisory.
Why Your Mailing Address Can Steer You Wrong
Postal-city names are created by the U.S. Postal Service and often sprawl across multiple cities. That means your return address can say one thing while your tap is hooked up to someone else's utility.
According to City of Chanhassen Public Works, Chanhassen operates its own water treatment plants and serves thousands of separate service connections. In other words, your water service is tied to your city utilities, not your mailing label.
What Residents Should Do
If you are not sure who supplies your water, check your utility bill or call your local utilities office to confirm before you start boiling every pot in the house.
State guidance says that during a boil water advisory, people should use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth and preparing food. Detailed instructions and special considerations for infants and other vulnerable residents are available from the Minnesota Department of Health.
When the Advisory Will Be Lifted
The city says the advisory will stay in place until lab results show the water system is free of bacteria. Residents will be notified when normal use can resume, according to the City of Excelsior.
Until then, the safest bet for Excelsior water customers is to keep boiling or stick with bottled water and leave the drama at the mailbox, not the kitchen sink.
