The Village of Charleston announced Tuesday that a water main break on Saturday along State Route 41, directly in front of the Shoemakers business, has contaminated the local water supply. In response, village officials issued a boil advisory covering the entire municipality.
What residents need to do
According to the village’s website, residents should “please boil all water you plan to consume for 1 to 3 minutes” before drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth. The advisory applies to all water drawn from household taps until further notice.
Village response and timeline
Village officials posted the advisory on their official social‑media channels and on the municipal website shortly after the break was confirmed. “We will update residents as updates become available,” the notice read. The village expects to have more information later today as crews continue to assess the damage and begin repairs.
Impact on daily life
Local businesses and schools have been advised to provide bottled water for employees and students until the water system is declared safe. Residents are encouraged to use bottled or filtered water for drinking and cooking, and to avoid using tap water for any purpose that involves ingestion.
Why the break matters
Water main failures can introduce contaminants into the distribution system, posing a public‑health risk if not addressed promptly. Boil advisories are a standard precaution that neutralizes most bacteria and viruses that might be present in the water supply.
Next steps
The village’s public works department is coordinating with the regional water authority to locate the exact point of failure, replace the damaged pipe, and flush the system once repairs are complete. Residents will receive a follow‑up notice when the boil advisory is lifted and normal water service resumes.
How to stay informed
Community members should monitor the Village of Charleston’s official website, social‑media pages, and local news outlets for real‑time updates. The village has also set up a hotline for questions about the advisory and water safety.
In the meantime, families are urged to follow the boil instructions carefully to protect the health of children, seniors, and anyone with compromised immune systems.
Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.