Lewis County Herald - Serving Hohenwald, Lewis County Tennessee Since 1898

Due to the unprecedented low temperatures last week, the Hohenwald Water System experienced an equipment failure at the water treatment plant December 24 which resulted in a significant loss of pressure and water levels in the tanks. As a precautionary measure the State has mandated that all customers boil water before using it for consumption at least through December 31.

The City apologizes for any inconvenience, and thanks everyone for their patience while they work to resolve this problem.

A spokesman for the City stated all water services had been restored but customers may still experience low pressure. They are grateful for their employees who have worked around the clock to restore services to the community, and to the community for their patience in this trying time. The City is asking residents to conserve water until the mandate is lifted.

What does this mean? What should I do?

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

Loss of system pressure can introduce disease-causing organisms into the water system. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. The symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice from their health care providers about drinking water.

What is being done?

The Hohenwald Water System has made repairs at the water plant. Bacteriological tests are being conducted throughout the system. The City will inform residents by social media and other news sources when tests show no bacteria and you no longer need to boil your water. The City anticipates resolving the problem within 7 days.

General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.