Large water main break reported in Clinton, boil order issued

CLINTON -- Iowa American Water crews were working overnight Friday to fix a large water main break in the Clinton service area that is causing a water service interruption and/or low water pressure for some of their Clinton customers.

The break is located at the corner of Fifth Avenue South and Third Street in Clinton. Water company crews are currently operating valves to isolate the main break and minimize the number of customers impacted, according to a press release.

To err on the side of caution, a precautionary boil order has been issued for a very limited number of customers in a two-block area in Clinton. Once repairs are complete and water service is restored, customers on the following two blocks will be under a precautionary boil advisory:

- 400 block of South Third Street in Clinton.

- 200 block of Fifth Avenue South in Clinton.

The above customers should bring their water to a rolling boil for one minute before using it for drinking or cooking until water quality tests confirm the water continues to meet all federal and state quality standards. Water is OK for bathing, washing and other common uses. This precautionary boil advisory is being issued in accordance with Iowa Department of Natural Resources regulations as a precaution to protect customers.

A notice will be posted on these customers’ doors prior to water service being restored. All other customers in Clinton are not under a precautionary boil advisory.

Some customers may experience discolored water or air in their water lines as a result of the main break. Iowa American Water advises these customers to let their water run for a few minutes, and the problem should clear. If it doesn’t, customers can call Iowa American Water’s Customer Service Center at 1-866-641-2108.

"Iowa American Water regrets the inconvenience this emergency repair work is causing some of our customers and thanks them for their patience and understanding," said Lisa Reisen of Iowa American Water. "The crew is working as quickly and safely as possible to get water service restored to those impacted."