The Schenectady County Department of Environmental Health has issued a boil water order for Rotterdam Junction following a water main break. Residents in the affected area must boil all water before using it for drinking or cooking.
County officials said to boil water for one minute and let it cool before using, or use bottled water certified for sale by the New York State Department of Health. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills most bacteria and other organisms in the water.
Harmful microbes in drinking water can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. It may pose a special health risk for infants, some elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. The symptoms above are not just caused by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice, according to county officials.
