Boil order issued for Thornbrook, Millcreek Manor subdivisions

COLUMBIA — The city's Water and Light department told residents of the Thornbrook and Millcreek Manor subdivisions to boil water before drinking or cooking with it.

The order was issued after a 16-inch water main broke between 8 and 9 p.m. Thursday, Water and Light spokeswoman Connie Kacprowicz said. The break caused customers in the subdivision to lose water pressure, which indicates potential for contamination, she said.

Water service has been restored by routing water from another water district, and Water and Light crews are making repairs to the water main.

Residents should boil their water for 3 minutes before drinking or cooking. Ice made in an automatic ice maker or made with tap water after 9 p.m. should be thrown out and re-made with boiled tap water. Dishes and surfaces can be disinfected with a solution of boiled tap water and one teaspoon of unscented bleach per gallon of tap water.

The state Department of Natural Resources requires the boil order to remain in place until two clean water samples are taken. Each sample takes 24 hours to test, so the order could be in place until Monday.