Oct. 11: Precautionary Boil Water Notice in effect for portion of southern Hardin County

UPDATE, Oct. 13 – The Savannah Utility Department reports that as of 1 p.m. Friday, testing of the water system is complete and the Precautionary Boil Water Notice has been lifted for all affected areas.

INITIAL STORY, Oct. 11 -- The Savannah Utility Department announced at 9 p.m. Wednesday that due to a recent water line break, a Precautionary Boil Water Notice has been issued to all water customers in the following service area:

The affected serviced areas in Hardin County include the Pyburn, Nixon, and Hamburg communities, and areas south of the intersection of Houston Lane and Tenn. 128, including Declan Lane, Arnold Lane, and Pyburn Drive to the Points of Pickwick entrance.

SUD explained that water line breaks resulting in a loss of system pressure can introduce disease-causing organisms into the water system. As a precaution, water customers in the affected areas are advised 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

• Let it cool before using.

The Savannah Utility Department said it is 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. SUD anticipates resolving the problem within 48 hours of the announcement.

For more information, contact the Savannah Utility Department at 731-925-4216 or the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation in Jackson at 731-512-1300.