PRESS RELEASES
If you have media inquiries, please contact the Office of Health Communications at adh.communications@arkansas.gov.
« Go Back
Posted: 09/07/17
Mandatory Boil Order for Biscoe and Fredonia
Little Rock, Ark. – A mandatory boil water order has been issued for the Prairie County community of Biscoe, also known as Fredonia, and also for customers who are south of I-40 in the vicinity of Biscoe/Fredonia who are served by East Prairie County Water Association. Customers should observe the boil order notice until the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) determines that the water is safe. The water system serving the Biscoe/Fredonia area has experienced what appears to be a construction related cross connection with the sewer system. ADH personnel are onsite today to assist the utilities and to verify the details of this incident.
The utility has been directed to disconnect the pipes in question, issue a mandatory boil water order to customers, and to commence flushing the water system. It is the understanding of the ADH that the pipes of concern have been disconnected and the water operators are in the process of notifying customers. The ADH will continue to assist the water utilities as needed.
Customers should observe the boil water order until bacteriological samples show the water to be safe. This may take several days. Under the ‘Boil Water’ Notice, all affected customers are advised that the water is considered unsafe for human consumption, and water used for drinking or food preparation must be boiled briskly for one minute prior to use. All ice cubes should be discarded and only boiled water used for making ice.
This Notice will be lifted by ADH when two sets of bacteriological samples indicate that the water is free of bacterial contamination and an adequate disinfectant level is established throughout the distribution system.
ADH encourages anyone who feels ill to contact their healthcare provider and let them know they live in one of the affected Prairie County communities.
###