Mason Co. Water & power outages lead to boil water order

OLYMPIA - Weather-related power outages today in Mason County have left about 700 homes and businesses along Hood Canal without water service or with low water pressure.

For those with low water pressure the state Department of Health recommends they boil tap water or use bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and preparing food. The agency recommends heating the water to a brisk boil for one minute, then allowing the water to cool before using.

Low water pressure can allow contaminants to enter the water system. Those without water should use bottled water until service is restored. Once water is restored, people should boil it before use until the health advisory ends.

People who still have water should conserve it to prevent their taps from running dry. Conservation actions include limiting laundry and non-essential water use. When water service and pressure are restored, turn on all cold-water taps in the house and let them run until any air is released and the water runs clear.

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The affected water systems include:

· Union

· Union Ridge

· Vuecrest

· Highland Park

· Madrona Beach

· Hood Canal A

· Hood Canal B

· Minerva Terrace

· Canal Mutual

· Canal Beach Tracts

· Mountain View

· Cushman Inc.

Those without electricity should not use gas ovens, gas ranges, barbecues, or portable or propane heaters for indoor heating. They use oxygen and create carbon monoxide that can lead to suffocation. Candles can cause fires, so use battery-operated flashlights or glow sticks for lighting. Using a kerosene heater, gas lantern, or stove inside the house can be dangerous. Maintain proper ventilation at all times to avoid a buildup of toxic fumes.

More information on safely getting through power outages is on our website.

The Department of Health website (www.doh.wa.gov) is your source for a healthy dose of information. Also, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.