UDATE: The Mississippi State Department of Health released Paynes Water Association from this Boil-Water Alert on Saturday, Sept. 12. Water from the system, accoding to MSDH, is now safe to drink.
----------------------------------
The Mississippi State Department of Health has issued a Boil-Water Alert for customers who receive their drinking water from the Paynes Water Association in Tallahatchie Coiunty.
This affects approximately 575 customers in the area.
Sampling showed the presence of total coliform bacteria in the drinking water.
Health officials strongly recommend that all water be boiled vigorously for one minute before it is consumed. This precaution will last at least two full days, and water system officials will be immediately notified when the boil water alert is lifted.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency sets drinking water standards and has determined that the presence of total coliform is a public health concern. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other potentially harmful bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems with the treatment process or pipes which distribute the water.
For the updated status of this alert, visit the MSDH website at http://www.healthyms.com/msdhsite/_static/23,16736,148.html .
