Ames water question

**ChrisMWilliams** · 08-12-2010, 09:43 AM

I still have water running at my apartment in Ames. I know that I can't drink it. I read something from the Ames Tribune last night saying that you can now shower in it?

Is that the case? Because per the DSM Register, that isn't the case. What do you all know/suggest?

**theshadow** · 08-12-2010, 09:46 AM

From a city press release:

Ames residents should eliminate all exterior water use including the use of any outdoor irrigation systems. Water should be used minimally for flushing, short showers, and maintaining basic health, and sanitation. Water coming from the tap should not be used for purposes such as drinking, brushing teeth, washing dishes, preparing food, and making ice consumed unless boiled or treated first.

To properly boil water, it should be brought to a roiling boil for three to five minutes, and then allowed to cool. Boiled water may have a ‘flat’ taste due to a decrease in oxygen content. Pouring the water back and forth between two containers will help restore a more normal taste.

If customers are unable to boil water, water may also be disinfected by using household liquid bleach. Only regular household liquid bleach that contains 5.25% sodium hypochlorite should be used. Do not use scented bleaches, colorsafe bleaches, or bleaches with added cleaners. Add 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water, stir, and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not have a slight bleach odor, repeat the dosage and let stand another 15 minutes.

This “boil alert” will remain in effect until the City of Ames is satisfied that there is no longer a threat. A similar notice will be released when the alert is lifted.

**ChrisMWilliams** · 08-12-2010, 09:51 AM

Originally Posted by theshadow

From a city press release:

Ames residents should eliminate all exterior water use including the use of any outdoor irrigation systems. Water should be used minimally for flushing, short showers, and maintaining basic health, and sanitation. Water coming from the tap should not be used for purposes such as drinking, brushing teeth, washing dishes, preparing food, and making ice consumed unless boiled or treated first.

To properly boil water, it should be brought to a roiling boil for three to five minutes, and then allowed to cool. Boiled water may have a ‘flat’ taste due to a decrease in oxygen content. Pouring the water back and forth between two containers will help restore a more normal taste.

If customers are unable to boil water, water may also be disinfected by using household liquid bleach. Only regular household liquid bleach that contains 5.25% sodium hypochlorite should be used. Do not use scented bleaches, colorsafe bleaches, or bleaches with added cleaners. Add 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water, stir, and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not have a slight bleach odor, repeat the dosage and let stand another 15 minutes.

This “boil alert” will remain in effect until the City of Ames is satisfied that there is no longer a threat. A similar notice will be released when the alert is lifted.

I swore I read something on the Trib's site last night saying it was okay to shower and do that sort of thing. Am I crazy?

**CTTB78** · 08-12-2010, 09:54 AM

Pretty simple-- if you can shower without 'drinking' any of the water, go for it.

**DaddyMac** · 08-12-2010, 09:54 AM

Well, the Ames release seems to jive with what you were thinking the Trib said.

The point of contention comes from the Rag.

Do the math.

**khaal53** · 08-12-2010, 09:54 AM

Honestly, I would probably just shower in it. Someone will probably tell me how I'm wrong but I can't see how it's worse than swimming in an Iowa Lake with a bar of soap. Maybe I'm not the most sanitary person though.