Some Oxford residents told to boil water before drinking it after water system loses pressure

OXFORD (WWJ) — Some residents in the Village of Oxford are being told to boil their water this weekend after an issue was discovered Friday morning.

Village officials say shortly before 8 a.m. on Oct. 11 a drop in pressure in the village’s water supply was found, due to a control panel problem in the water plant. Officials say bacterial contamination may have occurred in the water system.

The problem was fixed within about 15 minutes and water pressure was returned to normal, officials said.

But a Boil Water Advisory was still issued “as a precaution.” Bacteria are generally not harmful and are common throughout the environment, officials said.

Residents are being told they should not drink the water without boiling it first.

“Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and preparing food,” the village said in a press release. “Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. Continue using boiled or bottled water until further notice.”

Officials say water staff were collecting bacteriological samples from around the system beginning at 10:45 a.m. Friday October 11. The samples will be collected to determine if the water quality meets the state drinking water standards.

Officials will inform residents when tests confirm there is no bacteria. Results from the final samples are expected to be returned sometime Sunday afternoon.

Updates will be posted on the village website and Facebook page .

Officials are asking residents to spread the word with neighbors by word of mouth, sharing it on social media, via email or posting a notice — which can be found on the website or Facebook — in a public place.