A major water main break Thursday morning near Marshall Road and Charmwood Court has prompted a Kirkwood boil order for all customers. The break has caused widespread low water pressure and led to additional ruptures across the city's water system.
Officials recommend customers boil all tap water for at least three minutes before consuming it or using it for cooking. Bottled water or boiled water should also be used for brushing teeth, washing dishes, making ice, and preparing food.
Untreated water may contain harmful bacteria or organisms. These can pose health risks, particularly for infants, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Any ice or stored tap water made recently should be discarded.
City crews are working to repair the breaks and restore pressure throughout the system. A timeline for lifting the advisory was not provided by officials.
The Kirkwood School District announced early dismissals at several schools due to the water issues. Affected schools include Kirkwood High School, Nipher Middle School, North Kirkwood Middle School, Keysor Elementary, Tillman Elementary, Robinson Elementary (including preschool), and Westchester Elementary.
Instructional methods varied for the affected schools. High schools and middle schools planned alternative learning methods, while the listed elementary schools canceled classes for the day.
North Glendale Elementary and the Kirkwood Early Childhood Center were reported as unaffected and operating on their normal schedules. Families were advised to check email for specific dismissal times and pickup procedures.
Notifications regarding the advisory's lifting will be sent through Hyper-Reach, according to the city..The water issues also affected other local facilities. The Kirkwood Community Center was closed Thursday.
"Our crews are working around the clock to repair the breaks and restore normal pressure. We’ll notify you through Hyper-Reach when the advisory has been lifted," the city said.