Public Awareness Notices

Boil Advisory, Boil Order Differences Explained

• A boil advisory is issued when a water source is shut off or when a water source pressure level drops below 20 psi. With this loss of pressure, there is a greater possibility for water to become contaminated with harmful bacteria.
• A boil order is issued when either recent testing has shown the presence of organisms that could cause illness (e.g. fecal or E. coli bacteria), or technical/physical problems in the water system have significantly increased the possibility of bacterial contamination.
• Advisories or orders are lifted once required testing returns negative results. Testing regimen takes 24 hours.
• The City of Alexandria operates one of the few remaining independent, certified drinking water laboratories in the state, which results in quicker results for Alexandria water system customers.

Contact:

Michael O. Marler
Superintendent of Water
318.441.6216
michael.marler@cityofalex.com