Alexandria, Louisiana— Repairs to a 6-inch water main on Elder Street has resulted in the need for a boil water advisory, according to Michael O. Marler, Superintendent of Water Department.

Because water pressure was lost during the repair process, the water in the affected area may have been compromised.

As a precaution, the Alexandria Water Department is issuing a boil advisory effective immediately. This boil advisory is to remain in effect until otherwise noted. The boil water advisory is issued for customers located in the area described below:

All the properties along Elder Street that are highlighted in the attached map. (Please see attached detail map).

It is recommended that all consumers in the advisory area disinfect their water before consuming it (including fountain drinks), making ice, brushing teeth, or using it for food preparation or rinsing of foods by the following means:

Boil water for one (1) full minute in a clean container. The one minute starts after the water has been brought to a rolling boil. (Shaking can eliminate the flat taste of the water, pouring it from one clean container to another, or by adding a small pinch of salt to each quart of water that is boiled.)

Consumers in the advisory area should disinfect their water prior to consumption until otherwise notified.

After the boil advisory is lifted businesses and residences in the affected areas should do the following:

• Run cold-water faucets for one minute; 
• Run drinking water fountains for one minute; 
• Flush automatic icemakers (make three batches of ice and discard); 
• Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle; 
• Run water coolers with direct water connections for five minutes.