The Westchester County Department of Health has issued a "boiled water" alert for residents of Irvington and Briarcliff Manor. The action has been taken because of excessive turbidity in the water main bringing water from the Croton Reservoir.

Effective 9 a.m. September 17, 1999, residents in the affected communities are instructed to boil all tap water at a rolling boil for at least two minutes prior to consumption. The "boiled water" alert remains in effect until further notice. As an alternative to boiling water, people may use bottled water that has been certified for sale by the New York State Department of Health.

The large amount of rainfall in the Croton Reservoir System has caused extremely high turbidity in the Croton System. Increased turbidity can interfere with disinfection and result in an increased risk of contamination from microbiological contaminants, such as bacteria, Giardia lambia, and cryptosporidium. Because of this, the "boiling water" alert will continue in effect until further notice. Water remains safe for bathing and non-consumption uses.

Water suppliers ask that residents decrease their use of water during this period.

Steps that the average person can take to help include:

Taking shorter showers;

Turning off the water when shaving or brushing teeth;

Fixing leaky faucets or toilets;

Using only full loads when washing clothes or dishes;

Using water-saving showerheads and faucets and toilets.

For more information, residents may contact their local water supplier or Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000.