For immediate release: September 9, 2008 (08-153)

Contacts:
Gary Hajek, Cross Valley Water 360-668-6766
Tim Church, Communications Office 360-236-4077

Some Cross Valley Water District customers urged to boil water after outage

OLYMPIA ¾ About 175 homes and small businesses in southern Snohomish County are being told to boil their tap water after a water main broke early today, leaving water lines vulnerable to contamination.

When water outages occur, harmful bacteria may be drawn into water systems. This can pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with very weak immune systems. Cross Valley Water District customers in the affected area should boil their water for at least one minute or use purchased bottled water until the district and the state Department of Health are satisfied the water is safe to drink.

The affected area is south of State Route 522, along West Bostain Road from 221^st Street to its end, and to the east from 83^rd Avenue West to 71^st Drive Southeast. Most of the affected homes are in the Woodlane, Windsor Park and Sutton Place housing developments. Some of the district's other customers may have had reduced water pressure, but they’re not affected by the boil-water advisory.

The utility has repaired the water line and is testing the water for harmful bacteria. Meanwhile, customers in the affected area should boil water that will be used for drinking, brushing teeth, food preparation, ice and other forms of consumption.

“We’re working as quickly as we can to restore full service,” said Gary Hajek, Cross Valley Water District general manager. “We greatly appreciate our customers’ patience.”

Customers who have questions about the advisory may visit the district’s web site: www.crossvalleywater.net or call Cross Valley Water District at 360-668-6766.

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