WAUPACA COUNTY — UPDATE: The boil water advisory has since been LIFTED after this article was published.
Public health officials have declared a “Boil Water Advisory” for Manawa and surrounding areas, according to a release from the Waupaca County Sheriff's Office.
This means the public should assume tap water is unsafe to drink, and boil tap water before drinking it.
The Sheriff's Office says the advisory has been issued because of severe flooding in the area. The flooding has cause National Weather Service officials to fear failure of the Manawa Dam.
Officials say they are recommending this course of action as a precautionary measure until some water testing can be done to ensure it is safe to consume.
Manawa area residents are advised to take the following precautions:
- Boil all water used for drinking, food preparation and ice for at least five minutes prior to use
- Consider using bottled water for drinking, cooking and personal needs like brushing teeth
- Use bottled water exclusively for infants and expectant mothers, as nitrates in boiled water may also be a concern
