Boil Water Order Issued for Part of the City of Binghamton

The City of Binghamton is advising residents in part of the City and the Town of Dickinson near the Ely Park Golf Course that they will have to boil any water for consumption or cooking as a safety precaution.

According to a statement issued by the City at 2:44 p.m. Thursday, October 6, the loss of pressure in the Ely Park Transmission Water Main prompted the issuing of the Boil Water Advisory.

The transmission water main is located between the Ely Park Golf Course and LaGrange Street.

According to the advisory: "This Boil Water Notice applies to: Conti Court, Ridge Road, Ridge Street, Valley View, Lagrange Street, Penny Lane, Packard Street, Loretta Drive, Thomas Road, Clifton Avenue*, Stephen Drive." (*correction. City Hall listed the street in their advisory as "Clifton Boulevard.")

Residents living in those neighborhoods along the Ely Park Transmission Water Main are being told to bring their tap water to a rolling boil, allow to boil for one minute and cool before using.  "Bottled water certified for sale by the New York State Department of Health. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and preparing food until further notice."

A loss of pressure in a water line increases the possibility of microbes that can make people sick getting into the supply.

Officials say residents in the advisory area may have to boil water or use bottled water for three days until the issue is resolved.

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Typically, consecutive tests of the water have to come back free of contamination before the order can be lifted.  The City says: "You will be informed when tests show that you no longer need to boil your water."

The problems started at about 12 a.m. on Thursday, October 6.  Officials say the water system lost pressure due to a split water main on Thomas Road.

Crews replaced the split section with a new piece of pipe and the system was flushed out and restored to service.

Even though the split was fixed, the pressure was lost opening the door for a chance for microbes to get into customers' water.

Health officials say microbes in drinking water can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms and may pose a special health risk for infants, some elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.

Officials say in any case, people who experience any of the symptoms mentioned and if those symptoms persist, should seek medical advice.

For more information, please contact: Jeffrey A. Kruger, City of Binghamton Water Department, at (607) 772-7210 or the Broome County Health Department at (607) 778-3930.