Boil water order issued for Village of Culbertson

CULBERTSON, Neb. — Effective today, a boil water order is in effect for residents of the Village of Culbertson due to the presence of detected E. coli bacteria. Village officials are conducting an assessment of the water treatment and distribution systems to identify and correct any issues.

What This Means: E. coli bacteria indicate possible contamination from human or animal waste. Pathogens in contaminated water can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and headaches, with higher health risks for infants, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Anyone with health concerns should consult a physician.

Instructions: Residents are advised not to consume tap water without boiling it first. Bring water to a full boil for one minute, then let it cool before using, or use bottled water. This applies to drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation.

Cause and Response: Bacterial contamination can occur from sources such as increased runoff after heavy rains, breaks in water pipes, or treatment failures. The system is chlorinating the water, with additional testing scheduled for Monday, Nov. 18. The village will inform residents when the water is safe to drink without boiling.

Expected Resolution Date: Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024

For general information on reducing microbial infection risks, contact the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or visit epa.gov/safewater.