SMU is contacting addresses in South Spencer due to water maintenance work on Thursday, June 1, 2023. When water service is restored, these customers will be placed on a drinking water advisory due to the potential chance of bacterial contamination once water service is restored. Once samples are verified to be bacteriologically safe, those customers will be re-notified when the advisory is lifted.

All SMU water customers who are not in the advisory area do not need to be concerned with the safety of the water despite the possible discoloration. Due to additional flushing during the process, discoloration may occur for some customers.

Here is a copy of the advisory with the list of addresses included:

PWSID#2171071

SHUT DOWN NOTICE/DRINKING WATER ADVISORY

Spencer Municipal Utilities will be performing maintenance work on the water service which serves this address. This service address is scheduled to be off from 8:00am to 4:00pm on Thursday, June 1, 2023. When water service is restored following this maintenance, this service address will be placed on a DRINKING WATER ADVISORY. At that time, Spencer Municipal Utilities Public Water Supply is recommending to boil the water before using for drinking or to use an alternative source. Due to the potential for bacterial contamination when the water was shut off for a period of time, it is being recommended that the water be boiled before using for drinking or cooking, or that an alternative source be used.

IT IS RECOMMENDED NOT TO DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST.

Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, and food preparation (including washing dishes) until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. The water may be used for bathing and similar purposes. If the water is discolored, use an alternative source such as bottled water. For more information, please contact us at:
Spencer Municipal Utilities, Daren Baxter, Operator in Charge
520 2nd Avenue East, Suite 1, Spencer, IA 51301
p: 712.580.5800, f: 712.580.5336, e: contact form on our website: www.smunet.net

General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

When water service is restored, there may be air in your water piping and the water may be discolored. It is recommended to run the first water from a faucet that does not have an aerator screen, such as a bathtub or outside faucet. Open the faucet slowly to allow the air to escape. Once the water is flowing, allow the faucet to run until it is clear. The water may be cloudy at first due to air in the water or particles that dislodged as the pipes filled with water. This should clear fairly quickly. If water is cloudy or discolored throughout the house and it does not clear after allowing the water to run for several minutes, use an alternative source such as bottled water and contact the person listed above.

Following the scheduled maintenance, the system will be repaired, repressurized, and bacteria samples will be collected. This advisory is a precaution until bacterial samples are available and indicate no bacterial contamination. You will be notified when the results are available and the advisory is cancelled.

SMU is working with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to resolve the situation.

This notice is being sent to you by the Spencer Municipal Utilities Public Water Supply.

Date distributed: Wednesday, May 31, 2023

The boil order advisory area is limited to:

723, 724, 804, 809, 816, 819, 903, 904, 912, 915 Fairway Street