Cedar City boil-water order stays in effect for south side of the system

A boil-water order remains in effect for Cedar City water customers in the system's South Pressure Zone, which the city describes as running from 200 South to Cedar Knolls, according to a city notice posted and updated Oct. 23. The city has not lifted the order and says it will notify residents once testing shows boiling is no longer needed. The notice says the order covers the blue-shaded area on its map, not the whole city. ^[1]

Affected residents and businesses should bring tap water to a boil for one minute and let it cool, or use bottled water, for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and preparing food until further notice. The city also advises people to seek medical advice if symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps or nausea persist. Infants, young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk. ^[1]

The Southwest Utah Public Health Department Laboratory reported an E. coli-positive sample from an outside hose bib on Oct. 20. Repeat samples on Oct. 21 from Quichapa well 1 and from the original location were negative for E. coli, and one nearby sample was positive for total coliform. The city says other Oct. 20 samples from the Quichapa well area were negative. ^[1]

Four repeat samples were still at the lab and 10 more were collected Oct. 23, with results expected Oct. 24. A negative result does not by itself end the order, and the notice gives no lifting date. ^[1]

Crews have flushed 450 West from 200 South to 600 South, and the city is chlorinating and flushing the system, increasing coliform sampling and checking for cross-connections from unauthorized secondary-water hookups. A Level 2 Assessment with the Utah Division of Drinking Water is planned in the coming weeks. ^[1]

The city's notice links maps of the affected area. Customers can reach Cedar City Water at 435-865-4507. The notice lists the water system ID as UTAH11002. ^[1]