SOAP LAKE — A water main break in Soap Lake over the weekend resulted in a call for all residents to boil their water until further notice.

The water main reportedly broke sometime on Saturday at the intersection of Third Avenue Northeast and Fern Street North. As a result of the broken main all residents who are connected to the city’s water utility were urged to boil their water until further notice by the city.

"The city crew (will) continue to work to get control of the leak. The Department of Health has been notified. There is a boil water notice in effect until all the lines are flushed and chlorine run through them. Everyone will be sent a letter when it is clear to use water without boiling,” Mayor Raymond Gravelle said.

Residents were encouraged to purchase bottled water or boil their own water for drinking, brushing teeth, dishwashing, preparing food and making ice. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office states the boil notice will be in effect until the city and health authorities believe the water is safe. The boil water notice was still in effect as of the Columbia Basin Herald’s press time on Sunday.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.