COLUMBIA — No bacterial contamination appeared in the first set of water samples from the Thornbrook and Millcreek Manor subdivisions after a water main break, a release by the Columbia Water and Light department said.
While the results showed no contamination has taken place, a city-issued precautionary boil order remains in effect and could be lifted later Friday afternoon.
City staff collected a second sample Thursday, and completed test data is expected late Friday morning. If the second sample is found to be bacteria-free, the boil order will be lifted.
Columbia Water and Light thought it was important to obtain the samples, though chlorine in the water should have fought off any bacterial problems, the release said.
According to Missourian reports, the boil order was issued Wednesday morning after a 16-inch water main broke around 10 p.m. Tuesday. The break caused low water pressure, which could have allowed bacteria to enter the water line.
If the utility lifts the boil order, customers will be notified either by a flier or a phone call.