EPHRATA – The City of Ephrata issued a boil water advisory Monday morning after a primary water line broke on the west side of the irrigation canal behind the juvenile facility, according to City Administrator Ray Towry.  

The breakage had many residents without water and most of the city had very low water pressure. The boil water notice was put in place as a precaution to ensure bacteria and contaminants that may be in the water were addressed. Residents were asked to bring water to a rolling boil for one minute and to let it cool prior to using it for food preparation, washing dishes, making ice or brushing teeth.  

Towry said the city would be able to route around the leak by shutting down the pipe with valves and sending water through other pipes, but it will take time for the system’s pressure to return to normal. 

While the city has found the leak, residents are asked to report any sightings of water where it shouldn’t be to MACC Dispatch at 509-76-1160 in case additional issues become apparent. 

The city will distribute an announcement once the boil water notice is lifted. Residents are asked to use water sparingly while the system rebuilds pressure. 

Editor's Note: This story has been updated throughout.