So. Milwaukee residents told to stop drinking tap water

February 5, 2010

Feb. 6, 2010 Update: Emergency canceled

Residents Told To Stop Drinking Tap Water

Water Department To Run Tests For Presence Of E. Coli

The South Milwaukee Water Utility told residents Friday to stop consuming the city’s tap water.

A water line break is causing water pressure to be very low, the city’s Water Utility said. The South Milwaukee Water Department is attempting to fix the break in the main water line now and has contacted Oak Creek Water Utility for back up water supply.

All food establishments and any business that utilizes water for patients/patrons (i.e. restaurants, taverns, foodstores, doctors, dentists) within the City of South Milwaukee that process and/or prepare food need to cease and desist all tap water operations (including ice made on the premises) until further notice.

All tap water is assumed to be contaminated and must not be used. Per the Department of Natural Resources, boiling water prior to use will NOT make it safe at this point and time.

Residents will encounter a disruption in services and may experience some discoloration in their water supply or low water pressure when back up supplies arrive from Oak Creek.

Due to this, the South Milwaukee Health Department orders that bottled water must be used and not to drink boiled water.

The water system, once tested will need to run clean for 48 hours prior to any use for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, cooking, or bathing of infants. This means that until further notice from the City of South Milwaukee, tap water MUST NOT be used for any of the above activities. This could run through Sunday or beyond.

Water Department tests will be run to test for any presence of E. coli bacteria in the public water supply. The Water Department is working closely with the Health Department to correct the problem as soon as possible.

The presence of E. coli bacteria indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. These bacteria can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea or headaches. Infants, young children and anyone with a weakened immune system is at an increased risk for developing more severe symptoms.

Residents who experience any of these symptoms, even if tap water has been avoided, should call their healthcare provider.

This order is in effect until further notice from the South Milwaukee Health Department. Residents are asked to contact neighbors who may not be aware of this advisory.

For more information and updates, visit http://www.ci.south-milwaukee.wi.us or call the South Milwaukee Health Department at 414-768-8055.

So. Milwaukee residents told to stop drinking tap water

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