The Cayuga County Health Department has ordered Aurelius customers who live on Route 90 North of the Village of Cayuga to boil all drinking and cooking water until further notice. The problem, which affects Aurelius District No. 3, should be resolved within a few days.

A water line break has caused the water system to lose pressure. When the distribution pipes and mains lose pressure, it increases the chance that untreated water and harmful microbes could enter the system.

The health department said people should not drink the water without boiling it first for one minute and letting it cool before using. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation until further notice.

Harmful microbes in drinking water can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms. Infants, the elderly and people with severely weakened immune systems are more susceptible, according to the health department.

The line is being repaired, the system will be flushed and bacteriological samples will be taken. Once lab tests confirm that no harmful bacteria are in the system, the public will be informed.

Call Kent Walter at the Town of Aurelius at 255-1894 or the Cayuga County Health Department at 253-1405 for more information.