Alexandria, La., (Feb. 17, 2021) — Due to electrical losses incurred during the recent winter storm, our Production capabilities have been severely affected and line pressure loss has resulted in the need for a boil water advisory, according to Utility Director Michael Marcotte.

Because our main line pressure has dropped below 20 PSI, the water citywide may have been compromised. 

As a precaution, the Alexandria Water Department is issuing a boil advisory effective immediately. This boil advisory is to remain in effect until otherwise noted.  The boil water advisory is issued for customers located in the area described below:

All the properties served by the City of Alexandria Water System. 

It is recommended that all consumers in the advisory area disinfect their water before consuming it (including fountain drinks), making ice, brushing teeth or using it for food preparation or rinsing of foods by the following means:

Boil water for one full minute in a clean container. The one minute starts after the water has been brought to a rolling boil. Once the water has been boiled, you may improve the taste of the water by shaking it in a closed container, by pouring it from one clean container to another or by adding a small pinch of salt to each quart of water that is boiled. 

Consumers in the advisory area should disinfect their water prior to consumption until otherwise notified. 

The City of Alexandria will lift the boil advisory after water tests show there is no contamination. At that time businesses and residences in the affected areas should:

• Run cold water faucets for one minute;
• Run drinking water fountains for one minute;
• Flush automatic icemakers (make three batches of ice and discard);
• Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle; and
• Run water coolers with direct water connections for five minutes.