On July 14 and July 15, the City of Menomonie experienced a significant loss of pressure within portions of the municipal water distribution system due to exceptionally high water demand, resulting in critically low water tower levels.

While there is no evidence that the water is contaminated, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR) regulations require the City to issue a precautionary boil water advisory anytime pressure within the water system falls below acceptable operating levels. This precaution helps protect public health while the water system is restored and tested. We understand this situation is both frustrating and disruptive for our residents, businesses, and visitors, particularly for those experiencing little to no water service. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate the patience and cooperation our community has shown while City crews work to restore reliable service.

What precautions should be taken at this time?
Ice, food, infant formula, beverages, and anything prepared with tap water should be discarded if prepared after the advisory began.

Until the advisory has been lifted:

• Boil all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, preparing baby formula, coffee, or beverages.
• Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before using.
• Commercially bottled water may also be used.

Continue these precautions until the City announces that the advisory has been lifted.

Residents may continue to use water for bathing and showering; however, young children should be supervised to avoid swallowing water.

What does this mean?
When water pressure drops below safe operating levels, there is a possibility that contaminants could enter underground water mains through leaks, cracks, or cross-connections. Although this does not mean contamination has occurred, state drinking water regulations require laboratory testing before the water can be considered safe for normal use again.

Following restoration of normal water pressure, the City will flush portions of the distribution system and collect water samples throughout the affected service area. Certified laboratories will analyze these samples for:

• Total coliform bacteria
• E. coli bacteria (if follow-up testing is required)
• Chlorine residuals
• Other water quality indicators required under Wisconsin Safe Drinking Water regulations

The boil water advisory will remain in effect until testing confirms the water meets all state and federal drinking water standards.

Water Distribution Information
The City recognizes that some residents may be experiencing little to no water service while addressing the situation is underway. To help meet immediate household needs, bottled drinking water will be available beginning 8am on Thursday, July 16 at the Community Services Department, 621 11th Avenue W.

Residents who are unable to travel due to age, disability, or medical circumstances are encouraged to contact the City so alternative arrangements can be made whenever possible.

Updates regarding distribution hours, availability, and additional locations will be posted on official city communication channels, including our website at www.menomonie-wi.gov and our Facebook at City of Menomonie.

Statement from Public Works Director, David Schofield: “We understand how disruptive this situation is for our community, especially for residents and businesses experiencing little or no water service. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has caused.

“Our crews have been working around the clock to restore water pressure as safely and quickly as possible. While issuing a boil water advisory is never something we want to do, it is an important precaution required to protect public health whenever water pressure drops below safe operating levels. Once pressure has been restored, we will complete the testing required by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources before lifting the advisory.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we work through this process, and we remain committed to providing timely updates until normal service has been fully restored.”

Further updates will be provided via official city communication channels.

City of Menomonie Website