The entire City of Creston, and all customers of the Southern Iowa Rural Water Association (SIRWA) will be under a Boil Water Advisory beginning at 8-a.m. today (Friday), and until further notice.The order was issued, according to SIRWA, because “Due to problems at the 12-mile Treatment Plant, there is a chance for bacterial contamination, and it is being recommended that the water be boiled before it is used for drinking, or cooking, or that an alternative source be used.”

Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one-minute and then let it cool, or, used bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing your teeth and food preparation, until further notice. Boiling the water kills bacteria and other organisms that may be present. The water is safe for bathing and other, similar purposes.

The Advisory, which affects SIRWA customers in Adams, Clarke, Decatur, Madison, Ringgold, Taylor and Union Counties, is a precaution until bacterial sample results are available. For more information, call 641-782-5744.

Customers of the Southern Iowa Rural Water Association (SIRWA) include:

Adams County: Nodaway, Prescott and surrounding rural areas

Clarke County: Murray and surrounding rural areas west of Interstate 35

Decatur County: Grand River and surrounding rural areas west of Interstate 35 Madison County: Macksburg and surrounding rural areas

Ringgold County: Beaconsfield, Benton, Delphos, Diagonal, Ellston, Kellerton, Maloy, Mt. Ayr, Redding, Sun Valley, Tingley and surrounding rural areas

Taylor County: Bedford, Blockton, Conway, Clearfield, Gravity, Lenox, Sharpsburg and surrounding rural areas

Union County: Afton, Arispe, Creston, Cromwell, Kent, Lorimor, Shannon City, Thayer and surrounding rural areas

For more information on guidelines to reduce risk of infection, call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.