Fulton Issues Drinking Water Warning, Boil Water Advisory for Specific Location

FULTON, NY – DPW Commissioner Charles Smith III has released a statement regarding a recent water main break in the city of Fulton.

A portion of State Route 481 was closed through the city on Monday (Feb 12) afternoon after a water main break had been reported.

Initially, Smith estimated roughly 50 water customers had been affected and optimistically anticipated that service would be restored by the following morning.

The interruption to water service would be resolved contingent on repair of the damaged water main.

However, today (Feb 15) Smith is issuing a boil water advisory for a specific area relative to the location of the water main break for at least the next 48 hours pending cleared water sample testing by a state certified laboratory.

Along with detailing the area of affected customers, Smith provides information regarding the incident, potential health concerns, as well as tips and resources to contact for further information.

The full statement from DPW Commissioner Smith:

Due to a 16″ water main break near Canalview Mall on State Route 481 the water pressure at your home or business has been dramatically reduced and you probably have low pressure or no water at the present time.

Therefore, the City of Fulton is issuing this precautionary boil water advisory to those affected on Rte. 481 between East Broadway and Utica streets and two buildings on Academy Street.

The water main break has been isolated to a very small area and will remain so until adequate repairs are made.

The possibility exists that once your water pressure is restored you may experience some turbid (cloudy) or brownish colored water.

Due to the possible high levels of turbidity, there is an increased chance that the water may contain disease-causing organisms.

In an effort to combat against this possibility, chlorine levels have been turned up at the Fulton Water Works.

One of the previously collected water samples from yesterday was total coliform positive.

This boil water advisory will remain in effect until at least two consecutive sets of samples (minimum 48 hours before results) have determined the water is safe to drink.

You will be notified at that time by either phone or hand delivered notification.

What Should I Do?

DO 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, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice.

• Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

• The symptoms above are not only caused by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.

What happened? What is being done?

In the afternoon on Monday, February 12, a water main break was reported on Route 481 near the Canalview Mall. Water valves were closed to isolate the area and chlorine levels were increased at the Water Works as an added precautionary measure of safety. It was determined that a 16” water main had ruptured. Repairs are still underway and upon their completion your water will be restored. Samples will be collected and delivered to a state certified laboratory for testing. We will inform you of the test results and when you no longer need to boil your water. If you experience any turbid discolored water, open you faucet and let it run until the water is clear.

For more information, please contact John Florek at 315-402-6074. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection of microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791 or from the Oswego County Health Department at 349-3557 or 341-0086.

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