Precautionary Boil Water Advisory Issued for Large Portion of Dubuque - Food Establishment Information

The City of Dubuque Water Department has issued a PRECAUTIONARY BOIL WATER ADVISORY for a large portion of Dubuque.  

During a scheduled inspection of the water tank at 409 Gay Street, a bacteria sample tested positive. Following Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) requirements, the tank has been isolated and a follow-up sample has been taken for additional testing. The tank will be out of service until two consecutive samples have been completed, which could take approximately 48 hours. 

Approximately 15,600 addresses are impacted by this advisory. 

Due to the potential for bacterial contamination, it is recommended that customers in the affected area boil water before drinking or using for cooking or that an alternative water source be used until the advisory is lifted.  The City is working with the IDNR and testing takes approximately 48 hours for confirmation. 
 
Please note that this is a boil water advisory that shall remain in effect until tests from the tank are negative or absent from bacteria. Customers in the affected service area will be contacted by phone through the City’s emergency notification system.  An update will be issued when the results are available and the advisory is lifted or a boil order is declared. 
 
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS:   

Food Service Managers seeking additional information may call 563-589-4181 

When the water tank is back in service, there may be air in your water piping and the water may be discolored. It is recommended to run the first water from a faucet that does not have an aerator screen, such as a bathtub or hose bib. Open the faucet slowly to allow the air to escape. Once the water is flowing, allow the faucet to run until the water is clear. The water may be cloudy at first due to air in the water or particles that dislodged as the pipes filled with water. This should clear fairly quickly. If water is cloudy throughout the house and it does not clear after allowing the water to run for several minutes, contact the City of Dubuque Water Department at 563.690.6210 or visit www.cityofdubuque.org.   
   

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