Precautionary Boil Advisory for Parts of St. Louis

What Happened?

The St. Louis Water Division issued a precautionary boil advisory for several areas of the city on July 27, 2023, due to a water main break at the intersection of Gravois Avenue and Hampton Avenue. The advisory affects approximately 120,000 residents in the following neighborhoods: Tower Grove South, Gravois Park, Dutchtown, and Bevo Mill.

The boil advisory means that the water in these areas is not safe to drink or use for cooking without boiling it first. Boiling kills harmful bacteria that may be present in the water.

What to Do

Residents in the affected areas should follow these guidelines:

• Boil all water used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, making ice, or washing dishes until further notice. Bring the water to a full rolling boil for at least one minute.
• Do not drink or use the water without boiling it first, even if you plan to use a water filter.
• Use bottled water for drinking and cooking if possible.
• If you have a compromised immune system, you should consult with your doctor about further precautions.

How Long Will the Boil Advisory Last?

The St. Louis Water Division estimates that the boil advisory will remain in effect for at least 48 hours. However, the advisory may be lifted sooner if test results show that the water is safe to drink.

Why Did This Happen?

The boil advisory was issued after a water main break at the intersection of Gravois Avenue and Hampton Avenue. The break caused a drop in water pressure, which can allow harmful bacteria to enter the water system.

What is Being Done?

The St. Louis Water Division is working to repair the water main and restore water pressure to the affected areas. The division is also testing the water to ensure that it is safe to drink.

More Information

For more information about the boil advisory, residents can call the St. Louis Water Division at (314) 289-4500. Residents can also visit the city's website for updates on the advisory.