AKRON, Ohio — The Akron Water Division has issued a precautionary boil alert following a water main break in the city's Kenmore neighborhood Wednesday evening.
The rupture on the 200 block of North Firestone Boulevard caused water pressure to be reduced for several customers. While service has since been fully restored, citizens from south of Wilbeth Avenue to west of South Main Street and even in Coventry Township are asked to boil their drinking water for a minimum of two minutes for at least the next 24 hours.
In addition, the line break may also lead to discolored water or a potential increase in lead levels. To combat this, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends the following steps be taken:
- If water has not been used for several hours, run the tap until there is a noticeable temperature drop. Then, run water for 30 seconds to 3 minutes before using it for drinking and cooking. This helps flush water that may have contained lead that may have leached from plumbing.
- Use cold water for cooking, drinking, and preparing baby formula. Boiling the water will not reduce lead.
- Clean your faucet aerator regularly.
Those with further questions can call the Akron Water Distribution Dispatch at (330) 375-2420.
