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1. When repairing a water main, if my water is shut off, how long will I be without water?

This is difficult to say, our crews work as quickly and efficiently as possible to restore your water service in a timely manner. Average time the water will be turned off is anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, however it can be longer. It can also be a shorter period of time. It depends on the complexity of the break.

2. What does it mean for me when a boil water advisory is issued for my area?

Once the repair is complete, a RED Boil Water Advisory door tag will be hung on your door. **Please note - Boil Water Advisories are a precautionary measure only. They do not mean your water is unsafe.** Water samples are taken to verify that the water still meets EPA standards for drinking water.

Once your service is restored (until the samples results are received) bring tap water to a rolling boll for at least one minute before using when:

•  Drinking or preparing beverages that require water.
• Preparing baby bottles/food
• Washing and preparing foods to be eaten raw (fruits vegetables etc)
• Preparing foods that do not require cooking for prolonged periods of time
• Making ice cubes
• Brushing your teeth/rinsing mouth

 You DO NOT need to boil tap water when:

•  Taking a shower or bath (make sure young children do not swallow the water)
• Washing dishes in hot water (make sure you wipe them thoroughly dry)
• Doing the laundry. Or Any other of use that does not require consumption..  

Once the lab has verified the samples meet EPA standards, they will call the water department with the results and a technician will be deliver a BLUE door tag on your door notifying you that you no longer need to boil your water.

3. How long can it take to get results back from the lab?

We always list the maximum number of hours we expect the lab might take to get the testing done properly and notify us of the results. Generally that number is a high estimate and the boil alert is lifted sooner than the hours listed on the door tag. However, time varies based on the time of day and the day of the week the samples can be collected and delivered to the lab.  If the sample can’t be collected and taken to the lab before they stop accepting samples on a Friday then it’s required to wait until Monday to catch the samples. In that instance results may not get to us until sometime on Tuesday or even Wednesday. If there is a holiday involved in addition, then it can take an additional day or longer.

4. How do I report a water main break?

If you find a water main break anytime (including after hours) just call 937-233-3292. If calling after office hours, an answering service will answer and they will forward your concern to the ON CALL technician. If needed, the technician will return your call from a work mobile phone. The phone number the technician calls from may show up as "restricted" on your caller ID. Please be sure to answer the phone if you have reported an outage. After hours, this number is only meant to report immediate issues/emergencies such as a suspected water main break.