Boil water order impacts southwest Cape

A water main break Tuesday night on Siemers Drive means a precautionary boil water order has been issued for the southwest part of Cape Girardeau.

Residents living in all areas west of I-55 south of William Street (Route K) will be served notices advising them about the boil order, according to Kevin Priester, Alliance Water division manager.

The order will be lifted at 9 a.m. Thursday.

Businesses and residents affected by this order are advised to boil water vigorously for three minutes prior to use, and use only the sterilized water for drinking, brushing teeth, diluting fruit juices, and all other food preparations, according to a news release from Michelle Hahn, spokeswoman for the city of Cape Girardeau.

Do not use ice from a household automatic ice maker, and throw out all ice cubes made from water that not been boiled. Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled; supervision of children is necessary while bathing so water is not ingested; persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

"We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you," said Priester in a prepared statement. "If you have questions, please call the water division at (573) 651-6280.