BARNUM - Residents of Barnum are being urged to boil their water before drinking it, at least through the weekend.
State and local officials are recommending the boiling strategy in the wake of a water main break that created the potential for bacteria to grow in the pipes.
''Anytime you lose your pressure you run the risk of bacteria, so we issued a boil water advisory as a precaution,'' said Barnum Mayor Brian Foster.
Foster said a water line that supplies the Manson Northwest Webster Middle School on Pierce Street broke. The leak was discovered Thursday evening. Repairs were completed Friday. The entire water system in the city of about 200 people had to be shut down while the repairs were made.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources advised that residents should boil water to be used for drinking, cooking or any other use in which the water might be consumed by people.
The water is considered safe for bathing, according to the department.
According to information provided by the department, the water should be brought to a boil, then it should be boiled for one minute before being allowed to cool.
Foster said the city's water mains will be flushed and tests for bacteria will be conducted today.
Contact Bill Shea at (515) 573-2141 or bshea@messengernews.net