Boil water advisory remains for part of Akron, Fairlawn, Copley after water main breaks

Jim Mackinnon, Akron Beacon Journal
·2 min read

Akron's boil water alert remained in effect Wednesday morning for the western part of the city including Fairlawn Heights, the city of Fairlawn and Copley Township east of Route 21 after taking a water main out of service Monday night for repairs.

The boil water alert was put in place 9 p.m. Monday, according to the Akron Water Division; the city at the time said the advisory was in effect for a minimum of 24 hours. The city will let residents know when the advisory is lifted.

The city found "critical repairs" were needed on a 36-inch water main after a significant reduction of water pressure was experienced in the affected areas.

Latest update:Akron boil alert remains in place, could be lifted this afternoon

What we know:Is Akron tap water safe to drink? Here's what we know about Akron's water boil alert

The Akron Water Division issued the boil water advisory for customers with low water pressures west of North and South Hawkins Avenue and east of Route 21.

All customers within this area who experienced the low pressures, or are unsure, are advised to boil their water until further notice, the city said. Water used for drinking or cooking should be brought to a full boil for a minimum of 2 minutes and returned to the proper temperature before use.

The city said the loss of pressure may cause discolored water and potentially cause a temporary increase in lead levels in the drinking water.

EPA suggestions to reduce lead exposure

The US Environmental Protection Agency recommends the following actions to reduce possible lead exposure in drinking water:

  • If water has not been used for several hours, run the tap until there is a noticeable temperature drop. Then, run water for 30 seconds to 3 minutes before using it for drinking and cooking. This helps flush water that may have contained lead that may have leached from plumbing.

  • Use cold water for cooking, drinking, and preparing baby formula. Boiling the water will not reduce lead.

  • Clean your faucet aerator regularly.

For additional information visit drinktap.org or www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron issues boil water advisory for part of city, Fairlawn and Copley