[Update] Ole Miss lifts Precautionary Boil Water Alert for Oxford campus

Published 9:20 am Monday, October 25, 2021

As of October 26, the University of Mississippi has lifted the Precautionary Boil-Water Alert placed on the campus

The University of Mississippi has issued the alert for the entire Oxford campus after water system officials notified the Mississippi State Department of Health of a water main break on the west side of campus, resulting in loss of pressure. Public health officials consider any system that loses pressure contaminated until tests prove otherwise.

“The area of the system that experienced the water main break has been isolated to allow water pressure to be restored to the main campus while the repair is completed,” said Lisa Stone, the university’s Strategic Communications Director. “Facilities Management is working diligently to repair the break, though no buildings are currently without water.”

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The university strongly recommends any individual that receives their water supply from the university to boil their water for one minute before it is consumed and to take precautionary measures until further notice.

Under the advisory, individuals are asked to not drink the tap water; to not drink from water fountains in parks or public/private buildings; to not use tap water to make drinks, juices or fountain soft drinks; to not use ice made from the water and to not use tap water to make tea or coffee unless the brewing process brings the water to a boil for at least a minute.

Individuals are recommended to wash dishes in boiled water or to use paper plates for the next few days; wash fruits and vegetables with boiled or bottled water; to brush teeth with boiled or bottled water and cook with tap water if the food will be boiled for at least one minute.

Notably, washing hands and bathing was allowed as long as no water is swallowed.

This alert was in place for all campus buildings, including residence halls, office buildings, academic buildings and athletic venues.