The Onondaga County Health Department is issuing a Boil Water Order to residents and businesses in the South Clinton Street area of Syracuse between West Fayette Street and East Jefferson Street, as a result of a water main break that occurred yesterday in this area.

AS A PRECAUTION DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water certified for sale by the New York State Department of Health. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills most bacteria and other organisms in the water.

Additional tips residents in this area should be reminded about include:

• If you use bottled water, be sure it comes from a safe source.  If you do not know the source, boil or treat the water before you use it.  Use only bottled, boiled, or treated water until your water supply is tested and found to be safe.
• Boiling water when practical is the preferred way to get rid of harmful bacterial and parasites.  Bringing water to a boil for one minute will kill most organisms.
• You can treat water with chlorine tablets, iodine tablets, or unscented household chlorine bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite).  If you use chlorine tablets or iodine tablets, follow the directions that come with the tablets.  If you use household chlorine bleach, add 1/8 teaspoons of bleach per gallon of water if the water is clear.  If the water is cloudy, add ¼ of bleach per gallon.  Mix the solution thoroughly and let it stand for about 30 minutes before using it.

For more information about the Boil Water Order, call the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 435-6600.