Maple Plain residents spent Saturday boiling their tap water after city officials issued a precautionary boil‑water advisory, following a loss of system pressure that may have let contaminants seep into the distribution lines. Crews worked to restore communication between the city’s water tower and its treatment plant and to refill the tower, with officials saying they would collect water samples and wait on lab results before lifting the advisory.
Precautionary boil‑water advisory issued
The advisory was triggered by a drop in water pressure that, the city warned, "may have contaminated the city's drinking water," according to FOX 9. The notice says the affected area includes Maple Plain and homes east of the city that are connected to the municipal water system. It instructs residents, "Do not drink water before boiling it or use a safe alternative source." City officials said they will alert customers once tests confirm the water is safe to drink again.
Who’s affected and where to call
The advisory covers everyone served by Maple Plain's water distribution system. Customers with water‑service questions can call PeopleService, the city’s contracted utility operator, at (763) 479‑9250, according to the City of Maple Plain Public Works page. For broader drinking‑water questions, the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline is available at 1‑800‑426‑4791. For local non‑emergency help, West Hennepin Public Safety lists a non‑emergency line at (763) 479‑0500.
How to treat your water right now
Public‑health guidance currently favors bottled water whenever possible. If you need to use tap water, bring it to a rolling boil for at least one minute (or three minutes at elevations above roughly 6,500 feet) and let it cool before using, per the CDC. Officials advise against using ice made from tap water and recommend avoiding swallowing water while showering or bathing. Infants and people with weakened immune systems should be especially careful. Standard household pitchers and many sink‑mounted filters are not considered reliable substitutes for boiling during an advisory unless they are specifically certified to remove microbial contaminants.
When the all‑clear might come and what to do after
The city said it expected to restore normal water flow by noon on Saturday and anticipated water‑quality test results by mid‑week, according to FOX 9. Once the advisory is lifted, municipal recovery guides recommend flushing household plumbing by running taps for several minutes, throwing out any ice made during the advisory and replacing or cleaning water filters to clear out standing water, in line with guidance from the Portland Water Bureau. If the water still looks discolored or seems unusual after service is restored, residents are advised to contact PeopleService or West Hennepin Public Safety for further instructions.
