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Boil water advisory lifted in Madison County

Posted at 5:24 AM, Sep 26, 2019
and last updated 2019-09-28 12:45:41-04

RICHMOND, Ky. (LEX 18) — According to the Kirksville Water Association, the boil water advisory has been lifted for all of Madison County.

Officials had warned tens of thousands of customers in Madison County to boil any water used for consumption, after a water main break.

Lonnie Banks, water quality director for Richmond Utilities, said a 20-inch line break near its main tank is affecting entire water system.

Banks said the coverage area includes all of its customers, and includes most of the area except Berea. He estimates 60,000 to 70,000 of its customers were affected.

Officials with the Madison County Utilities District and the Kirksville Water Association also said all of their customers also were affected, because both purchase water from Richmond Utilities. Madison County Utilities District will not be able to take samples until Richmond Utilities lifts their boil water advisory.

Eastern Kentucky University sent an alert early Thursday warning that the advisory affects its campus community as well.

Banks said the advisory would be in place at least until late Thursday.

"The line has been isolated and the pressure has been restored but we're awaiting results on new samples," he said.

Banks said it takes about 18 hours after samples are taken to get test results back, so the all clear could come by 10 or 11 p.m.

Customers are advised to heat water to roiling boil for 2-3 minutes if they intend to drink it or use it for cooking.

More information can be found here.