Parts of Shoshone County served by the Central Shoshone County Water District are under a boil notice after a power failure at the Enaville Water Station. 

The notice currently applies to residents of Osburn and Big Creek, where water supply tanks have reached critically low levels. According to the district, water has been rerouted from Kellogg to serve the affected communities, but officials advise boiling any water intended for consumption. 

Osburn Mayor Kip McGillivray addressed the situation on social media, asking residents for patience as crews work to restore power following recent storms and outages. 

“I have spoken to Avista and the water district,” McGillivray said. “Crews are working hard to get power restored to the pump station in Enaville. At this time, please give them time to get everything fixed with understanding they are working as quickly as possible to get all of us back on line.” 

McGillivray also urged residents and anyone using the district’s water to conserve. The district echoed that request. 

“The water district can only supply what they have in storage,” he said. 

Power at the Enaville plant should be back on today, but customers should plan for the boil order to remain in effect for 24 to 72 hours. To make water safe, bring it to a rolling boil for at least three minutes before use. 

Tips During a Boil Order 

Do: 

• Boil tap water for at least three minutes before drinking, cooking or making baby formula. 

• Use bottled water whenever possible for drinking, cooking and making ice. 

• Store boiled or bottled water in clean, airtight containers. 

• Wash fruits and vegetables with boiled or bottled water. 

• Brush teeth and prepare baby formula using boiled or bottled water. 

• Sanitize dishes: Dishwasher: Use only if it has a sanitizing cycle or final rinse at 150°F or higher. Hand wash: Rinse with boiled water, then soak in a bleach solution (1 tablespoon per gallon). 

• Wash hands with soap and tap water; use sanitizer before handling food. 

• Bathe carefully — avoid swallowing water; sponge baths for infants or those with wounds. 

• Give pets boiled or bottled water. 

• Follow official updates until the advisory is lifted. 

Don’t: 

• Don’t rely on ordinary filters (pitcher or fridge filters) to make water safe. 

• Don’t use ice from your freezer unless you made it with boiled or bottled water. 

Updates will be posted on the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page and the Central Shoshone County Water District’s page once power and internet are restored. For more information, contact the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality at 208-699-8260 or the Central Shoshone County Water District at 208-786-9141.