ARCO \u2014 If you live in or around Arco, don\u2019t drink your tap water \u2014 at least not without boiling it first.<\/p>\n
The Southeastern Idaho Public Health Department issued a boil order for the east Idaho community on Thursday due to a loss of pressure in the water system, according to a notice posted on the city\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cA drop in\/loss of water pressure creates conditions that could allow contamination to enter the distribution system through backflow, by backpressure, or back-siphonage,\u201d the notice explains. \u201cAs a result, there is an increased chance that the drinking water may contain disease-causing organisms.\u201d<\/p>\n The boil order could be in effect until Wednesday, March 18, city officials say.<\/p>\n Until the order is lifted, health officials say Arco residents should follow these guidelines:<\/p>\n Do not drink any tap water without boiling it first. Use only boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation. You may continue to use tap water to wash your hands, using soap; also use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. <\/p>\n Boiling the water kills any disease-causing organisms \u2014 such as bacteria, viruses and parasites \u2014 it contains, health officials say. If consumed, these organisms can make a person ill, causing headaches, nausea, cramps and diarrhea.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice,\u201d the notice states.<\/p>\n City leaders say a computer issue that caused the drop in water pressure has been fixed, and required testing of the water is underway. They hope to have the problem resolved within five to seven days.<\/p>\n