Steve Jasiecki
The City of Atlantic City has issued a boil water emergency notification due to cloudiness in the water.
The advisory in Atlantic City has no effect on Downbeach water systems. Ventnor issued an all-call notifying residents that its drinking water is safe.
According to the Atlantic City Municipal Utilities Authority, a backup in the system caused the water to become cloudy.
We routinely monitor your water at the treatment plant for turbidity (cloudiness). This tells us whether we are effectively filtering the water supply to remove organic matter and possible disease-causing organisms, a statement posted on the city's website stated.
The sample showed a turbidity level of 2.5 turbidity units, which is above the 1-unit standard.
Because of the high levels of turbidity, there is an increased chance that the water may contain disease-causing organisms.
Residents are advised to boil water to 212 degrees before consumption.
The emergency should last several days. The system will be flushed to remove any potential contaminants, and hydrants are being flushed.
Samples will continue to be monitored.
Residents may experience some discoloration of their water, and are advised to let the water run until it becomes clear.
Residents will be provided with additional information as it becomes necessary.
With a storm approaching, residents are advised to be aware of the weather and pipes from freezing. The storm is expected to bring rain, high winds and cold. A second weather system is approaching mid-week, which could include an extended period of rain.
