LEWISTON, ID – A Declaration of Local Disaster Emergency was issued early this afternoon in connection with an early morning rupture to the City of Lewiston‘s high reservoir, which is located along 16th Avenue. The rupture, which happened at around 4:00 a.m., caused approximately three million gallons of water to be released from the reservoir and resulted in localized flooding.
The incident has compromised potable water for more than 24,000 Lewiston residents.
A Boil Water Alert Order was issued at around 7:00 a.m. and remains in effect until further notice.
“Once the order has been lifted, a notification will be released to the news media and posted on the City of Lewiston’s official website and social media platforms. The City of Lewiston is working to correct the situation, and will update the public as progress is made,” a press release says, adding that customers are asked to conserve water as much as possible.
This Order does not affect Lewiston Orchards Irrigation District patrons.
City staff were notified of the incident and were on site immediately to secure and assess the situation. An incident command system was also promptly established. The cause of the rupture is currently being investigated, officials say.
From the City of Lewiston:
Mayor Daniel Johnson issued a Declaration of Local Disaster Emergency early this afternoon, which has been supported by the Nez Perce County Commissioners and is waiting for potential approval from the State of Idaho. This declaration, if approved by the Governor, allows the City to ask for assistance from higher levels of government if needed. Assistance can come in the form of financial resources, supplies, etc., only if the City may need it.
A water filling station has been established at the Lewiston Community Center, 1424 Main Street, Lewiston, Idaho, for City of Lewiston water customers that may be in need of clean drinking water. Residents will need to bring their own water containers to the water filling station.
The station will be open until 8:00 p.m. today and will reopen from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., tomorrow, January 19, 2023.
If you have property damage due to the water that was released from the reservoir, please call 208-984-7096.
City staff have been working with other local agencies, medical facilities, etc., to keep them in the loop and assist with addressing their needs.
Carol Maurer provided an update this afternoon:
https://fb.watch/i8lOd6ptAU/
The Lewiston City Council will hold a Special Meeting at 3:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon at Lewiston City Hall.
Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. All others who wish to observe this meeting may watch and listen to the livestream on their own device(s) by visiting the City of Lewiston’s Facebook page or the City’s website at cityoflewiston.org.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ACTIVE AGENDA
A. RESOLUTION 2023-6: Declaring that an emergency exists and that the public interest and
necessity demands the immediate expenditure of public money without compliance with formal
bidding procedures – Action Item
III. ADJOURNMENT – Action Item
EMERGENCY MESSAGE
BOIL WATER ALERT ORDER IN EFFECT
Due to a reservoir failure in a portion of the City’s water system that is currently being assessed, the City of Lewiston Public Works Department has issued a Boil Water Alert Order for all of its customers. Through an abundance of caution, this alert order is for all City of Lewiston customers ONLY. This alert order is not for Lewiston Orchards Irrigation District (LOID) customers.
The City also asks that its customers practice conserving water as much as possible.
Please review the information below regarding the importance of boiling water and what to do if your water appears clear or cloudy.
Boiling water will clean the water and render it safe, if these procedures are followed correctly:
If the water from your tap is clear, boil it for three minutes to disinfect. This kills disease-causing bacteria and parasites. Instead of boiling, you may add ⅛ teaspoon household bleach per gallon of water and let it sit for half an hour.
If the water is cloudy, filter it by pouring it through a coffee filter and then boil for three minutes. If you cannot boil the water, filter it through a coffee filter and add ¼ teaspoon of household bleach per gallon of water. Let it sit for one hour.
Another option is bottled water. Make sure bottles come in tightly sealed containers. Water bottles less than six months old are best.
The boil water alert order order will remain in effect until officials from the City of Lewiston have issued a safe to drink order. The City of Lewiston will issue more information as it becomes available. Please make sure to check the City of Lewiston’s website and Facebook page frequently for up-to-date information.
Photo courtesy of Anna Velasquez | KLEW
