If you live in Akron, Ohio, you may have recently received a boil water advisory from the City of Akron Water Supply Bureau. This advisory was issued as a precautionary measure due to a water main break that impacted roughly 1,000 residents in the northern portion of the city. If you are affected by this advisory, it is important to take the necessary precautions to protect your health and safety.

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Understanding Boil Water Advisories

If you live in Akron, you may have received a boil water advisory notice from the Akron Water Division. It is important to understand what a boil water advisory means and how to protect yourself and your family from possible health risks.

What Triggers a Boil Water Advisory?

A boil water advisory is issued when there is a risk of bacterial contamination in the drinking water. This can happen due to a water main break, depressurization of the water system, or other causes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires public water systems to issue boil water advisories when there is a risk of contamination.

The Role of Akron Water Division

The Akron Water Division is responsible for ensuring that the city's drinking water is safe and meets all EPA standards. When a boil water advisory is issued, the Water Division works to identify the source of the contamination and take appropriate measures to ensure that the water is safe to drink.

Health Implications of Boil Water Advisories

Boiling water for a minimum of 24 hours is the most effective way to kill harmful bacteria and viruses that may be present in the water. Drinking contaminated water can cause illnesses such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. Infants, young children, elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of getting sick.

If you receive a boil water advisory notice, it is important to follow the instructions provided by the Akron Water Division. You should boil all water used for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth for at least one minute. You can also use bottled water as an alternative.

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Affected Areas and Duration

Identifying the Impacted Regions

The Akron boil alert affected several areas in the western part of Akron, as well as Fairlawn Heights, Fairlawn, and Copley Township east of Route 21. The northern portion of the Akron Water Distribution System, including the Northampton, Smith Road, and Boston Township areas, was also impacted.

If you live in any of these regions, you should have received a notice from the City of Akron Water Supply Bureau. Alternatively, you can check the city's website or social media pages for updates on the advisory status.

Timeframe for the Advisory

The duration of the boil alert advisory varied depending on the specific incident. In some cases, the advisory was lifted within a day or two, while in others, it remained in effect for several days.

For example, in August 2022, a boil alert was issued after a water main was taken out of service for repairs on Cuyahoga Street, Portage Trail Extension West, and Meredith Lane. The advisory was lifted within two days after the city's water division took samples from the affected areas for testing and confirmed that the water was safe to drink [1].

On the other hand, in October 2022, a precautionary boil water advisory was issued for several Akron customers after a water main break. The advisory was lifted the next day after the city of Akron took samples for testing and confirmed that the water was safe to drink [2].

If you are unsure about the duration of the advisory in your area, you can contact the City of Akron Water Supply Bureau or check the city's website for updates.

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Safety Measures and Precautions

Proper Boiling Techniques

During a boil water advisory, it is important to properly boil your tap water to ensure that it is safe for consumption. To do this, fill a pot with tap water and heat it until it reaches a rolling boil. Once the water has reached a rolling boil, let it continue to boil for at least one minute. After boiling, let the water cool before using it for drinking, cooking, or preparing baby formula.

Safe Consumption Practices

While the boil water advisory is in effect, it is important to take precautions to ensure that you are consuming safe water. If you do not have access to boiled water, you can use bottled water for drinking and cooking. Additionally, it is important to avoid consuming ice cubes made from tap water, as well as using tap water to brush your teeth.

Preventing Lead Exposure

During a boil water advisory, it is important to take steps to prevent lead exposure. If your home was built before 1986, it may have lead pipes or fixtures. To reduce lead exposure, run your tap water for at least 30 seconds before using it, especially if the water has been sitting in the pipes for several hours. Additionally, you can remove and clean your faucet aerator to reduce the amount of lead in the water.

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Response and Repair Efforts

Repairing the Water Main

After the announcement of the boil alert, the Akron Water Division immediately started working on repairing the 36-inch water main that was taken out of service for critical repairs. According to The Akron Beacon Journal, the repairs were needed after the city of Akron found a significant reduction of water pressure in the western part of Akron, as well as Fairlawn Heights, Fairlawn, and Copley Township east of Route 21. The plumbing work was completed promptly, and the repairs were carried out efficiently to ensure that the water main was back in service as soon as possible.

Restoring Water Pressure

The Akron Water Division worked tirelessly to restore water pressure to the affected areas. The water pressure was gradually restored, and the boil alert was lifted as soon as the water was deemed safe to drink. According to WKYC, the boil alert was lifted on Wednesday afternoon, and residents were advised to flush their taps for a few minutes to clear out any air or sediment that may have accumulated in the pipes.

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Post-Alert Follow-Up

After a boil water advisory has been lifted, it is important to follow up with water testing and safety confirmation to ensure that the water is safe to drink. Here are some steps you can take to confirm the safety of your water.

Water Testing and Safety Confirmation

The City of Akron Water Supply Bureau conducts extensive water testing to ensure the safety of the water supply. According to a report by WOIO, the city's water supply is tested regularly for bacteria, nitrates, and other contaminants. If you have any concerns about the safety of your water, you can contact the Water Distribution Dispatch at (330) 375-2420.

To confirm the safety of your water, you can also test it yourself using a water testing kit. These kits are available at most hardware stores and online retailers. Drinktap.org recommends testing your water for lead, nitrates, and bacteria.

Lifting the Boil Water Advisory

When the boil water advisory is lifted, it is safe to resume normal water usage. You should run your taps for a few minutes to flush out any stagnant water in your pipes. You should also change your water filter if you have one.

If you experience any issues with your water supply after the advisory has been lifted, you should contact a licensed plumber. Wilson Plumbing is the best option for plumbing, heating, cooling, and electric in Northeast Ohio. With over 60 years of experience, Wilson Plumbing has the expertise to handle any plumbing issue.