Gainesville, MO. -The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued a boil order for Gainesville, Missouri.
The boil order was issued for the areas from the east side of North 5 Highway to Cedar Oak Drive, and the South side of Highway 160 across from North Highway 5 Junction. The order was issued yesterday, August 19, 2024, because of total coliform bacteria found in water samples collected on August 12th and 15th. At least one of these samples tested positive for fecal coliforms or E. coli bacteria. This means that the water contains either human or animal waste. Human Pathogens in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their healthcare providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water.
The order will remain in effect until any required corrective actions are completed and the water samples test clean. If you have any questions call 417-679-4858.
- Boil water vigorously for three minutes prior to use. Use only boiled water for drinking, brushing teeth, diluting fruit juices, and all other food preparations, or consumption.
- LET WATER COOL SUFFICIENTLY BEFORE DRINKING.
- If water cannot be boiled, use or provide an alternative water source such as bottled water.
- Do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker or any ice made with unboiled water from this system. Remake ice cubes with water that has been boiled or buy ice.
- 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 or using backyard pools so water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.
