RAPID CITY, SD – A main waterline break on the Pine Ridge Reservation has resulted in a “Drinking Water Warning” from O.S.T. Water & Sewer Co., instructing residents in the Pine Ridge Area to boil their water for three minutes before use.
The water main break, which occurred on Monday, October 6, led to a loss of pressure in the water distribution system. O.S.T. Water & Sewer Co. stated that the loss of pressure could “cause back pressure, back siphonage, or a net movement of water from outside the pipe to the inside through cracks, breaks, or joints in the distribution system.”
This scenario creates a high potential for fecal contamination or other disease-causing organisms to enter the water system, which “may pose an imminent and substantial health endangerment to persons served by the system.”
Residents are strongly advised not to drink the water without boiling it first. All water intended for drinking, cooking, ice making, teeth brushing, or washing dishes should be brought to a rolling boil for at least three minutes and then cooled before use. Bottled water is also recommended. Furthermore, all stored water, drink, or ice made recently from the supply should be discarded.
The warning noted that inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms that can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, and other illnesses. Those with special health risks, including infants, young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems, are particularly vulnerable.
O.S.T. Water & Sewer Co. confirmed that the mainline repair was completed on October 6. The boil water warning remains in effect until the utility is notified by the testing laboratory that additional water samples show the water is safe for consumption. Customers will be informed when the advisory is rescinded.
The main break and subsequent boil water advisory are the latest in a series of infrastructure issues impacting water service in the area. For more information, residents can contact Frank Steele at 605-867-5804 or 605-454-2643.