Terril, IA — Residents of Terril are being advised to boil their water before consumption following maintenance work at the community’s water treatment system.

According to a notice issued by the City of Terril, a boil water advisory took effect at 6 a.m. Thursday and is expected to remain in place until approximately noon Saturday, pending the results of water quality testing.

City officials said the advisory was issued because filter media at the new water treatment plant is being replaced. Before the advisory can be lifted, the system must be disinfected, and water samples must test negative for E. coli bacteria.

Residents are advised not to drink tap water without first boiling it. Water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute and allowed to cool before use. Officials say boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, preparing food, making ice, brushing teeth and washing dishes until further notice.

Officials expect to have test results by around noon Saturday. If those samples show no bacterial contamination, the advisory will be lifted.

Residents with questions can contact Brian Klein at 515-320-1122. Additional information about drinking water safety is available through the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.