News Release

Boil Water Notice at Chiricahua NM

Sunset at Chiricahua NM

NPS

News Release Date: January 30, 2021 Boil Water Notice for Transient - Noncommunity Public Water System01/29/2021 Due to loss of water pressure, the USDOI, National Park Service, Chiricahua National Monument, Bonita Campground Water System, AZ042701, a transient noncommunity public water system is required to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption. Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions).

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a rolling boil for one minute per 1000 ft. elevation, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.  These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.

Disinfectant Residual: We routinely monitor for disinfectant residual in the distribution system. This measurement tells us whether we are effectively disinfecting the water supply. Disinfectant residual is the amount of chlorine or related disinfectant present in the pipes of the distribution system. If the amount of disinfectant is too low, organisms could grow in the pipes.

Single Event; On 01/29/2021, Due to a loss of pressure in the system, from a significant water leak & emptying of the tanks. This resulted in the system dropping below 20 psi, and allowing air / possible contaminants, to enter the distribution system. The US Public health Services has recommended to the National Park Service that a Boil Order be issued immediately.

Corrective Action: The system is taking steps to correct the current situation.

• We are sampling, both untreated and treated water for the presence of coliform bacteria.
• We are sampling/sampled disinfectant levels and will adjust the amount of disinfectant added as necessary to maintain adequate levels.
• We are investigating all points of entry for source of contamination.
• Repair water leaks in the distribution system.

In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes. When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the noncommunity public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes. Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner like this notice. Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses).

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor / Operator of Charge, Gary L. Lippard at (520) 824 - 3560, X9403, we will be adding additional chlorine to the system and flushing the water mains, to increase the chlorine residuals, to proper levels, throughout the system. This order will remain in place until further notice.