Sept. 26: Precautionary Boil Water Notice issued by Savannah Utility Department

UPDATE, SEPT. 28 -- As of 4 p.m. Thursday testing of the water system is complete, according to the Savannah Utility Department, and the Precautionary Boil Water Notice has been lifted for all customers.

SEPT. 26 --The Savannah Utility Department said Tuesday that due to a recent water line break, a Precautionary Boil Water Notice is being issued to all water customers in the following service area:

All serviced locations in Hardin County highlighted on the map. This includes the Pyburn, Nixon, and Hamburg communities, and areas south of the intersection of Darlington Drive and Tenn. 128, including Declan Lane, Arnold Lane, and Pyburn Drive to the Points of Pickwick entrance.

SUD said water line breaks resulting in a loss of system pressure can introduce disease-causing organisms into the water system.

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 (3) 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.

SUD anticipates resolving the problem within the next 48 hours.

The department urges readers to share this information with other water customers on the Savannah system, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses).

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.