Boil Advisory

CASCADE, Idaho — The City of Cascade has issued a boil water advisory for all customers using City Water Services, effective immediately. A leak was discovered Saturday morning in the main water line to the city. 

The break in the line, which feeds to the city’s water tanks, dropped the pressure of the drinking water. During emergency situations, public water systems must have a minimum of 20 psi, according to Saturday’s release. 

Contamination can enter the distribution system during a drop in water pressure, through backflow, backpressure or back-siphoning. The conditions increase the chance of disease-causing organisms in the water. 

Cascade Mayor Judith Nissula said the boil water advisory has been issued “out of an abundance of caution,” and there is no known contamination of the city’s water at this time. 

The boil water advisory has been issued as officials confirm the water does not contain the disease-causing organisms. 

The City of Cascade said there is no timeframe for the advisory, because the water must be tested at a lab after the water line is repaired. The processing at a lab usually takes 12 hours.

Residents must bring all water to a boil before drinking it. The city said people should let water boil for a minute and let it cool before using. Bottled water is another option for Cascade residents. 

Water may be used with soap for at least 20 seconds for washing your hands. Boiled water or bottled water should be used for the following tasks until further notice:

• Drinking
• Making ice
• Brushing teeth
• Washing dishes
• Food preparation

“We encourage the community to help us get the word out about the boil advisory by sharing public notices that come directly from the City of Cascade, including our social media pages,” Nissula said. 

The City of Cascade said it plans to issue another notice when properties in the city no longer need to boil water. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has been notified of the situation. 

Officials have 24 hours after personnel are made aware of the system issue to make public notifications, the news release said. 

Those with questions or seeking more information about the boil water advisory can call the City of Cascade at 208-382-4278. 

“Inadequately treated” water can contain the disease-causing organisms, which may include bacteria, viruses and parasites. The City of Cascade said drinking the untreated water can cause nausea, cramps, diarrhea and headaches. If you experience any of the listed symptoms or are at increased risk, you should seek medical advice.

See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:

KTVB is now on Roku and Amazon Fire TVs. Download the apps today for live newscasts and video on demand.

Download the KTVB mobile app to get breaking news, weather and important stories at your fingertips.