WEST LINN, Ore. — The city of West Linn lifted a boil water advisory to residents in the city's Horton Water Pressure Zone Wednesday morning.
According to the city, the water is now safe to drinking, after a pipe leading to a pressure gauge at the Horton Reservoir froze. As a result, there was not enough water to fill the reservoir or be maintained, resulting in pressure loss in the area served by the reservoir. Oregon requires residents to be notified when water pressure drops below 20 pounds per square inch, as harmful bacteria could be present after a pressure loss, according to the city.
"As a precaution... crews cannot confirm system pressure was maintained above the threshold required to ensure safe drinking," a Thursday press release stated.
Crews flushed the system and took water samples to the lab for analysis, according to the city. Test results are expected in 24 to 48 hours, but the city of West Linn warned the process may be impacted by the weather.
Pressure has been restored as of Tuesday, and the affected reservoir is refilling. West Linn said air may be present in pipelines, which can make noise while faucets are turned on, asking residents to run their taps until the air finishes escaping.
What to know
Residents needed to disinfect water used for drinking, including for pets, as well as for cooking, brushing teeth, rinsing contact lenses, shaving and making ice.
West Linn suggested using the following methods for disinfecting water:
- Boiling: Boil water vigorously for two minutes after it reaches a full boil.
- Chlorine bleach: Use only unscented liquid chlorine bleach (granular bleach is poisonous). If water is clear, add 2 drops of bleach per quart of water (8 drops per gallon). If water is cloudy, add 4 drops per quart (16 drops per gallon). Mix well and let stand for 30 minutes.
- Purification tablets: These are available at drug stores or camping outlets. Follow the directions on the package. Tablets become less effective with age; discard or replace after one year.
- Use bottled water.
Water does not need to be disinfected for bathing, showering or laundry. Dishes can be washed in hot water; if not, disinfect.
Residents can search by address here to see if they were affected by the notice.
For more information, residents may contact the Water Department at 503-742-6083 or mkaatz@westlinnoregon.gov. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or the Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Services at 971-673-0405.
The city is also providing updates on their website and on social media.
