PRESS RELEASE

January 22, 2020

For Immediate Release

City of Hood River boil water advisory lifted

The City of Hood River water boil notice has been lifted as of 1:30 p.m. January 22nd after test results confirmed no evidence of harmful bacteria in the water system due to the Sunday evening leak in a City water line. City of Hood River water is safe for drinking.

The city advises affected water customers to flush all household plumbing prior to consuming water as a precaution. As the water system is fully restored to service, you may experience air in your lines. This is normal, and not a cause for concern. Indications of air in your water lines include spitting or burping at the faucet, cloudiness in the water that rapidly dissipates when allowed to settle (i.e., in a glass set on the counter) and bubbles or foam.

Due to higher than normal velocities in the water pipes during the event, you may discover sediment that was scoured from the water lines.  Continue flushing your household plumbing until the sediment is removed. This is also a good time to remove the screens from your faucets and clean them.

Hood River County Environmental Health department also advises city water users who use ice machines to discard the ice and thoroughly sanitize the machine. Water filters should be replaced and any other appliances that use water should be sanitized according to the manufacturers’ directions. Any food that was prepared or washed after Sunday night using raw water should be discarded.  Food prepared using boiled water is safe.

The county environmental health department also reminds residents to take precautions to re-stock any emergency supplies used during this event, and to take the opportunity to discuss this event with your family and make improvements to your family emergency plans and supplies.

If you are concerned that you have become sick from this event, please contact your primary medical provider; emergency room visits are for serious illnesses and injuries only.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.  If you have questions or concerns, please call the City of Hood River water department (541) 387-5216.