Residents in specific areas of southeast and north Shelby County are “strongly advised” to comply with MLGW’s boil water advisory, according to the Shelby County Health Department.

Multiple line breaks and production issues have resulted in a significant loss of water pressure in these areas, which include parts of southeast Memphis, Germantown and Millington.

Over half of MLGW customers have faced rolling blackouts

Tap water should be boiled for at least three minutes before consumption, including drinking and cooking.

Water pressure loss and water main breaks can allow disease-causing microbes into the water system; those bacteria, viruses and other parasites can cause gastrointestinal distress including nausea, cramps, diarrhea and headache.

At-risk individuals — including infants, the elderly and those with severely compromised immune systems — should take special care to comply with the boil water advisory, according to SCHD.

Boiling water kills disease-causing bacteria and other organisms. Water should be brought to a rolling boil and allowed to boil for at least three (3) minutes. Allow the water to cool before using.

Once the boil water advisory is lifted, Shelby County Health Department’s Environmental Health and Food Safety Program recommends that MLGW customers in the affected areas take the following steps to flush faucets, water lines and appliances connected to the water supply.

· Turn on the main water valve if it was turned off.

· Flush any faucet a minimum of two minutes to ensure the water line is cleared. If applicable, begin with the faucet highest in your home or building, then open other faucets one at a time, moving from the highest floor to lowest.

· Discard any ice made during the boil water notice.

· Check water filters in faucets, refrigerators and other appliances and replace if necessary.

· Owners and managers of buildings should ensure the entire water system is flushed and that water storage tanks are drained and refilled.

Recommendations for all food service and retail service establishments:

· Flush pipes throughout the facility by running each faucet with cold water for five minutes.

· Flush, clean, and sanitize appliances that use tap water (such as beverage dispensers, spray misters, coffee and tea urns, ice machines, glass washers, dishwashers) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

· Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle.

· Flush hot water tanks.

· Run drinking fountains continuously for five minutes to flush the system.

· Replace and sanitize water filter cartridges according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

· Take proper steps to flush ice machines by following the manufacturer’s instructions, including: Throw out any remaining ice. Flush the water line to the machine inlet. Close the valve on the water line behind the machine. Disconnect the water line from the machine inlet. Open the valve and run 5 gallons of water through the valve. Dispose of the water. Close the valve.