News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Livingston Water Customers need to boil water through at least Noon Saturday, after a major water line ruptured Friday.
The Boil Water Advisory includes Livingston, Monroe, and Alpine. The advisory means any water used for cooking, drinking, or hygiene should be brought to a full rolling boil for one minute.
“Let me emphasize by no shape, form or fashion do we think there is any contaminants in the water, period,” Mayor Curtis Hayes said. “But under precautionary matters and regulations with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the city of Livingston’s regulations, we will be collecting bacteria samples in the areas of Monroe, Alpine and Livingston. Again, I want to emphasize that we don’t think feel very certain that there is no contaminants in the water.”
Hayes said the bacteria samples will be sent to Nashville, with results expected back Saturday morning. Announcements will be made when the Boil Water Advisory is lifted.
Crews have been working since late Thursday night to repair the line. Hayes said it was a 12-inch line that split in two near the 111 Bypass/Airport Road intersection.
“This obviously had been leaking over time,” Hayes said. “After we’d done our investigation and dug in about four foot deep, the line was laying on a bed of rock. And over time, we’re guessing this water line again it was ductile iron line had been in the ground 15 to 20 years and it just split right down the middle.”
The Boil Water Advisory happens when water levels go low in the tanks that serve the area. Sediment can gather at the bottom of the tank, sometimes containing bacteria. Hayes said the Monroe tank, especially, got low as all the water drained out during the rupture.
Water that is filtered, according to the CDC, must also be boiled. Do not use ice or water from your refrigerator during the advisory period. Do not use dishwashers. After boiling, allow the water to cool before use.
Water for animals should also be boiled.
