The following statement was issued Tuesday night by the Cayuga County Health Department:

Customers of the town of Throop Water District No. 1 are ordered by the Cayuga County Health Dept. to boil all water for drinking and culinary purposes. This does not affect customers in the town of Throop who receive their water from the Cayuga County Water and Sewer Authority.

At about 3 p.m. Tuesday, the water system lost pressure due to a water main break. In order to fix the line the water had to be shut off and the line repaired. When the distribution pipes and mains lose pressure it increases the chance that untreated water and harmful microbes could enter the system.

Do not drink the water without boiling it first. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water certified for sale by the New York State Department of Health. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills most bacteria and other organisms in the water.

Harmful microbes in drinking water can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, some elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. The symptoms above are not just caused by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.

The water line is being repaired You will be informed when tests confirm that no harmful bacteria are in the system and you no longer need to boil your water. It is anticipated that the problem will be resolved within three days.

For more information, please contact the Town of Throop at 252-7373 or the Cayuga County Health Dept. at 253-1405.