Water main break hampers Whitefish

Boil water order in effect

Daily Inter Lake

A catastrophic water main break in Whitefish early Monday morning prompted the city to issue a boil water advisory that will remain in place as a precaution until the Water Department can confirm the water is safe to consume.

The break along Baker Avenue has been isolated and water pressure is increasing throughout the distribution system, the city noted in an advisory Monday. Baker Avenue between Sixth and 10th streets will be closed for a couple of days as crews work to repair the break.

The Water Department asked residents to conserve water to allow the system to pressurize.

Bacteriological samples of the water were collected and city personnel are closely monitoring the situation, City Manager Adam Hammatt said. People with severely compromised immune systems, infants and some elderly may be at increased risk if they drink the water without boiling it first.

The city expects results from the water samples sometime Tuesday and will advise city residents as information becomes available.

For more information, contact the Whitefish Public Works Department at 406-863-2460.