Boil Water Order Issued for Laurel Residents
A boil water order has been issued by the City of Laurel for approximately eight properties using a private water main west of Laurel, KTVQ reported.
The advisory does not apply to other City of Laurel water customers. A broken private water line prompted the notice, and its condition is not fully known, according to the city.
Temporary Water Service Windows
City officials will restore water service for a two-hour period on Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15. This temporary relief allows residents an opportunity to meet essential household needs.
Temporary water service will be available Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and again Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon. All eight affected properties remain under a boil water order for any water intended for human consumption.
Private Water Line Repair Schedule
Service will be turned off starting at 12 p.m. Sunday and will remain off until either the necessary repairs are finished or further directives are provided. A repair company is expected Monday, Nov. 16, KTVQ reported.
Repair arrangements for the private line are being coordinated by the private users and contractors. Until an official notice is issued to lift the advisory, residents must not presume that the water is safe for consumption once pressure is restored.
Guidance for Affected Laurel Residents
Affected residents should use bottled water or bring tap water to a full rolling boil for at least one minute before cooling for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, washing food, or making ice. Officials warn that residents should not rely on household filters alone.
Residents should turn off faucets completely after filling containers and avoid running washing machines, dishwashers, humidifiers, or irrigation systems while service is off. Refrigerator ice makers and automatic water dispensers must remain turned off until safe service is restored, and any ice made during the advisory must be discarded.
Electric water heaters need protection against empty tanks; residents should switch off the breaker if they suspect the tank has lost water. Gas units require following manufacturer instructions or consulting a qualified technician before re-energizing.
Residents Should Monitor Water Quality After Service Returns
When service returns, residents should open a cold-water faucet slowly and watch for air, discoloration, leaks, and unusual pressure without leaving the home unattended. City officials provided contact numbers for questions or concerns regarding the service interruption.
“We recognize the difficulties these residents are facing and appreciate their patience and understanding as efforts continue toward a permanent resolution,” Mayor Kris Vogele said in a release.
For questions or help during the week, residents may reach public works director Matt Wheeler at (406) 628-4796 during regular office hours, while after-hours and weekend support is available through Laurel Dispatch at (406) 628-8737.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Laurel Advisory
Who is affected by the Laurel boil water order?
The advisory applies exclusively to residents using a private water main west of Laurel, affecting approximately eight properties. Other City of Laurel water customers are not included in this restriction.
When will temporary water service be available?
Temporary water service is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon, and Sunday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon. Service will be shut off at noon Sunday until repairs are completed.
When are repairs scheduled for the broken private line?
A repair company is expected Monday, Nov. 16, to begin work on the broken private water line, according to city officials and KTVQ reporting.