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Macy, Neb., Public Water System Now Under Partial Boil Order

Release Date: 01/16/2009
Contact Information: Kris Lancaster, 913-551-7557, lancaster.kris@epa.gov

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Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., Jan. 16, 2009) - EPA Region 7 has directed the Omaha Macy Public Water System, located on the Omaha Tribe Reservation in Thurston County, Neb., to partially lift a boil order issued January 7, 2009. A partial boil order remains in effect for an estimated 20 households generally situated along 33rd Road and south of Macy on U.S. Highway 75.

EPA's action has been communicated to the Tribal Chairman and Tribal Utility Director and the operator of the Omaha Macy Public Water System. Customers who remain subject to the partial boil order are advised to boil all water for such purposes as drinking, brushing teeth, cooking, making ice or washing dishes, for at least one to three minutes at a rolling boil before it is rendered safe to use.

EPA Region 7 Administrator John Askew said, "The responsibility of providing the public with clean, reliable drinking water is shared by EPA, states, tribes and local water systems. EPA appreciates the cooperation and patience of the customers of the Macy water system as we work together to restore full service without the need for boil orders."

Water sampling results have shown adequate levels of chlorination protection and the absence of disease-causing bacteria sufficient for EPA to advise the public water supply to lift the boil water order for most customers of the system.

The Safe Drinking Water Act, signed into law Dec. 16, 1974, and strengthened by amendments in 1986 and 1996, protects human health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply. EPA's mission is to protect the ground water and surface waters used as drinking water, as well as the health of consumers whose water is provided by public water supplies.

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