(7-19-23) From the St. Marys Police Department on drinking water after this morning’s water line break.

DRINKING WATER WARNING

Due to a major water line break, organisms that cause illness in people may have entered the water supply. People west of China Garden, including residents in Villa Nova and Sandy Beach areas, should take the following precautions:

• DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for at least one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

• If you experience symptoms of persistent digestive distress, contact your doctor. People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly people may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

The City of St. Marys has no evidence at this time that the water system is contaminated. The possibility, however, does exist that the water system is contaminated and is issuing this advisory as a precaution.

What is being done?

Services are back online. Customers may experience some air in the line or cloudy water.

For more information, please contact Water Department at 419-394-4114 or 101 E. Spring Street, St. Marys, Ohio 45885.

General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791.