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Water line break near sewer line results in precautionary boil water notice for many Savannah Utilities customers

UPDATE, JAN. 4 — The Savannah Utility Department reports that testing of the water system has been completed and the precautionary boil water notice is no longer in effect as of 8 p.m. today.

ORIGINAL STORY, JAN. 3 — The Savannah Utility Department said Friday afternoon that due to a recent water line break near a pressurized sewer main, a precautionary boil water notice is being issued to all water customers in the following service area:
All serviced locations in Savannah and Hardin County south of Geans Lane on the south side of Savannah. This area includes Walkertown, Nixon, Walnut Grove, and other communities south of Savannah connected to Tenn. 69 and Tenn. 128, as well as the Savannah-Hardin County Airport and Industrial Park.

Water line breaks resulting in a loss of system pressure can introduce disease-causing organisms into the water system. As a precaution, the utility department is advising water customers in the affected areas to boil their water prior to using it for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. Customers should take the following steps:

Prior to boiling, all water should be strained through a clean cloth to remove any sediment or floating material. Heat water to a vigorous boil, let it boil for three minutes to ensure disinfection, and let it cool before using.

The Savannah Utility Department said workers are actively repairing the line break. Once system pressure is restored, bacteriological tests will be conducted throughout the system. When tests show no bacteria, the department will notify customers that the water is safe and rescind the precautionary boil water notice. The problem is expected to be fixed within 36 to 48 hours.

The department is asking that people share this information to help rapidly get the word out about the precautionary boil water notice.

For more information, contact the Savannah Utility Department at 731-925-4216 or TDEC-DWR in Jackson at 731-512-1300.

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