Water storage-tank break in Cortland causes boil advisory

CORTLAND — There was a water-tank break on Russell Avenue during the early morning hours today. Crews were dispatched and isolated the break before 7 a.m.

It was discovered the 500,000-gallon tank was emptied and dropped the pressure in the system below 20 pounds per square inch. Ohio Environmental Protection Agency requires a boil advisory when this occurs, city officials said in a news release.

There is no evidence of contamination, and the water is safe to use for general purpose. During a boil advisory, people are encouraged to boil water that is going to be consumed for two to three minutes.

The storage tank is filling and will take time to recover. Residents are encouraged to conserve water until the system pressure is restored. The boil advisory may continue through the weekend depending on the results of bacteriological testing.

Status of the boil advisory can be found at www.cityofcortland.org.