Boil water advisories issued for multiple Acadiana communities due to winter storm

Boil water advisories have been issued for multiple communities in Acadiana.

Lafayette Utilities System issued an advisory for part of north Lafayette, and Louisiana Water Company announced one for its entire water system Wednesday. In Acadiana, the company serves customers in Crowley, Eunice and New Iberia.

"As a precaution we are issuing a boil water advisory for the entire water system. If the water pressure serving you drops below 20 psi (pounds per square inch), we encourage you to boil your water prior to consumption," reads the LAWCO advisory.

The company also advised customers to conserve water during this winter storm.

"Due to excessive water usage, and leaks, caused by the extremely low temperatures we have experienced, we are requesting all of our customers not use excessive amounts of water, for the near future," reads the advisory. "High demand for water could cause the system to have to be shut down to recover."

LUS issued a boil advisory Wednesday morning for residents and businesses in the areas north of Interstate 10, south of Gendarme Road, west of Wilderness Trail and east of Janvier Road.

With an increase in customer usage due to weather, water pressure dropped significantly in this area. 

More:Acadiana residents urged to conserve power, water to avoid second day of rolling blackouts

To ensure water safety and quality, the advisory will remain in effect until collected water samples are cleared by the Louisiana Department of Health-Office of Public Health.

As a precaution, customers in the affected area need to vigorously boil their water for at least one full minute prior to drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, using it for food prep or rinsing food. The one minute starts after water has been brought to a rolling boil.

If you suspect a leak, try to identify where the leak is and turn the water off at the hand cutoff. The hand cutoff is usually located 12-24 inches behind the meter going toward the home. If the shut off valve is not accessible, contact LUS at (337) 291-5700.