PICKENS — After a water main break, the city of Pickens is advising all water customers to vigorously boil their water for at least one full minute prior to drinking or cooking.
Ice made from water that has not been boiled should also not be used for drinking purposes.
The advisory went into effect at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, city administrator Katherine Brackett and Pickens water plant supervisor Brian Gravely said. City employees are working to repair the broken main, and customers will be notified when the advisory is lifted.
In a boil water advisory, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control recommends that customers stop using appliances and equipment that use drinkable water, such as dishwashers, ice machines, fountainheads, drinking fountains, tea brewers and coffeemakers. DHEC also recommends customers use disposable paper, plastic or foam plates, cups, forks, etc., and prepare food using water that has been boiled.
In addition, DHEC recommends that those affected wash hands with water that has been boiled and cooled and wash, rinse and sanitize pots, pans and other equipment with water that has been boiled and cooled.