CAYUGA COUNTY -- FROM THE CAYUGA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT:

The Cayuga County Health Department has removed the Boil Water Order for the residents in the Village of Cayuga and Water District #3 in the Town of Aurelius (those residents along State Route 90 in the Town of Aurelius).

The water treatment plant is now producing water that meets the turbidity standards set by the New York State Department of Health. Water samples collected in the distribution system indicate that no harmful bacteria are present in the water system.

Individuals with questions may call the Village of Cayuga at 252-1707 or the Cayuga County Health Department at 253-1405.

EARILER:

Due to a water main break and a loss of pressure in the distribution system in the Village of Cayuga, a boil water order was issued on September 25 for the Village of Cayuga and Town of Aurelius Water District #3, which includes those residents along State Route 90 in the Town of Aurelius. Since that time, in an effort to fill the storage tank, which was emptied during the water main break, the filter plant has been operating almost continuously and has had problems with elevated turbidity levels in the treated water. Turbidity is a measurement of water clarity.

The storage tank was filled over the weekend. The village is making some minor improvements today to the plant that should improve the performance of the water filters. The boil water order will not be lifted until the filter plant consistently produces water that meets the turbidity standard and water samples taken in the system show that no harmful bacteria are present in the water system. Currently it appears that the boil water order will be in place throughout the week. In the meantime, the Health Department has asked customers to continue to conserve water so the plant's operation can be reduced.

Residents of the Village of Cayuga and the Town of Aurelius Water District #3 should not drink village water without boiling it first or use bottled water certified for sale by the New York State Department of Health. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice.

The public will be periodically updated via the media on this situation. Individuals with questions may call the Village of Cayuga at 252-1707 or the Cayuga County Health Department at 253-1405.