The City of Wayland has issued a boil water advisory for the northwest section of town because of a water main break that may result in bacterial contamination.

Utilities Director David Paul said this morning in a notice on Facebook, “Bacteria are generally not harmful and are common throughout our environment. Proper measures will be followed.”

City officials recommend residents “bring water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and preparing food. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. Continue using boiled or bottled water until further notice.”

Precautionary actions are being taken due to the loss of water pressure in the water distribution system due to a water main break at 465 Park St. Whenever a water system loses pressure for any significant length of time, precautionary measures are recommended.

City of Wayland and water staff will take other remedial actions such as flushing and collecting bacteriological samples from around the system. Samples will be collected to determine that the water quality meets the state drinking water standards.

City officials will inform when tests show no bacteria and you residents no longer need to boil water.

“We anticipate the boil water notice will be lifted Saturday Sept. 14,” Paul said. “This boil water notice shall remain in effect until results from the sampling verify the water is safe to drink.

Customers will be advised when the boil water advisory has been lifted.”

For more information, contact David Paul at (269) 792-0686, dpaul@cityofwayland.org