A water main break near 56th Street and Reed Road turned into a major headache for parts of Indianapolis' northwest side on Friday, with a precautionary boil-water advisory now in effect. Citizens Energy Group said service has been restored in the affected area, but residents are being told to boil tap water before drinking or cooking for 72 hours or until officials lift the advisory. The advisory zone covers portions of Hidden Bay, The Park at Eagle Creek apartment complex and a residential stretch near 81st Place east of Georgetown Road.
Where the advisory applies
The advisory area is roughly bounded by 56th Street from the Hendricks County line east to Georgetown Road, I-465 on the north, and Georgetown Road and Coffman Road on the west. It covers multiple neighborhoods and apartment complexes on the northwest side, as reported by WTHR.
What residents should do
People inside the advisory zone should boil tap water before using it for drinking, cooking, making ice or brushing teeth for the next 72 hours or until the advisory is officially lifted, according to Citizens Energy Group. The utility also recommends bottled water as an alternative for vulnerable residents and provides step-by-step instructions on how to safely boil and store water.
How this fits the regional picture
Water main failures have caused similar problems across central Indiana this year, disrupting businesses and triggering short-term advisories in nearby communities. Local reporting earlier in the year documented multiple breaks that led to temporary closures and required follow-up testing before advisories were rescinded, as detailed by WRTV.
When the advisory will be lifted
The advisory will stay in place until lab samples confirm the water meets state standards. Utilities typically collect an initial sample, then a second one 24 hours later, and lift the advisory if both pass. Citizens Energy Group and local media outlets are expected to post updates as test results come in, and residents can monitor Citizens Energy Group for the latest guidance on the boil-water advisory.
