Water Main Break - Localized Precautionary Boil Water Advisory Lifted

Updated March 30, 2024 at 3:30PM

The City received satisfactory results from laboratory testing, confirming water safety and quality. The Precautionary Boil Water Notice has been lifted for impacted homes.

Residents that were under the Precautionary Boil Water Notice have received new hanging door tags with information on how to properly restart water usage in their homes:

• Flush Household Pipes/Faucets First
  • To flush plumbing, run all cold water faucets on full for at least 5 minutes each. 
  • For a residence with multiple levels, start at the top of the house. 
  • If the service connection is long or complex (ex. apartment building) consider flushing for a longer period. A building superintendent or landlord should be able to advise you on longer flushing times. 
  • If the water is discolored, continue to run it from the tap until it is clear. 
• Ice and Automatic Ice Makers
  • Wash and sanitize ice trays. 
  • For an icemaker, dump existing ice and flush the water feed lines by making and discarding three batches of ice cubes. 
  • If the water line to the machine is longer than 20 feet, discard five batches of ice cubes. 
  • Wipe down the ice bin with a disinfectant. 
• Hot Water Heaters, Water Coolers, In-line Filters, and Other Appliances with Direct Water Connections or Water Tanks
  • Run enough water to completely replace at least one full volume of all lines and tanks. 
  • Replace filters that are near the end of their life. 
  • Follow any other instructions from the appliance manufacturer. 
• Water Softeners
  • Run through a regeneration cycle. 
  • Follow any other instructions from the appliance manufacturer. 
• For Reverse Osmosis (RO) Units, replace pre-filters, check owner's manual.
  • Replace other water filters, as they may be contaminated. This applies especially to carbon filters and others that are near the end of their life.

If you have any questions or encounter issues, contact the City's Customer Service Team: 206-275-7600 between 8:30am - 5:00pm.

March 28, 2024: A water main break in the evening hours on Thursday, March 28, 2024 caused localized low pressure in the drinking water system affecting approximately 14 homes in the 2400 block of 62^nd Ave SE (see map of affected homes).

Public Works crews placed doorhangers on affected homes notifying them of the boil water advisory.

Although the possibility of contamination is considered very unlikely, out of an abundance of caution, the City of Mercer Island is issuing a boil water advisory for the 14 homes in this neighborhood. 

We advise that affected residents boil their water prior to consumption until 5pm on April 1.

The City will notify affected residents via doorhangers when the boil water advisory has been lifted.

Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and preparing food until further notice.

The system has been flushed and water quality samples have been taken to ensure the water is ready for consumption once boiled.  Affected residents will be notified by doorhanger when the precautionary boil water advisory has been lifted.

For more information call Mercer Island Public Works at (206) 275-7600.