GOLDEN VALLEY, AZ (May 11, 2021) – The following is an updated special message to Golden Valley residents affected by having a lack of water due to the low level in the tank as discussed in our release earlier today.  It should be emphasized that this is a precautionary measure, but, due to the low pressure, we are unable to sample our system and cannot determine whether or not bacteria are present. (MAP OF AFFECTED AREA ATTACHED)

The county is making arrangements for delivery of bottled water to the Golden Valley Fire Training Center on Colorado – address on the attached.  The advisory will remain in place until we restore system pressure and determine that the water is safe to drink. Both ADEQ and the County Health Department have been notified.

The Golden Valley Improvement District water system’s booster station was shut down on Sunday, May 9, 2021 due to the failure of its supply well. This led to a loss of pressure in a portion of the distribution system (see map). The pressure loss may cause backpressure, (backsiphonage,) or a net movement of water from outside the pipe to the inside through cracks, breaks, or joints in the distribution system that are common in all water systems. Such a system failure carries with it a high potential that fecal contamination or other disease-causing organisms could enter the distribution system. These conditions may pose an imminent and substantial health endangerment to persons served by the system.

BOIL THE WATER FOR THREE MINUTES BEFORE USING.  DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST.

Bring all water to a rolling boil for at least (3) three minutes, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation.  This should be done until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. ALL STORED WATER, DRINK OR ICE MADE RECENTLY FROM THIS SUPPLY SHALL BE DISCARDED.

PLEASE NOTE: Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly and people with severely compromised immune systems.

The symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. Anyone who experiences any of these symptoms and they persist, may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

What is currently being done?

Improvement District staff are currently trying to restore operation of the booster station. The staff is also currently making arrangements to distribute bottled water for pickup by affected customers. The pickup point will be the Golden Valley Fire Training Center at 623 South Colorado Road in Golden Valley.

Golden Valley residents who are affected by this problem, will be informed when there is no longer a need to boil the water. Another press release will be forthcoming. For more information, please contact the Golden Valley Improvement District at (928)757-0914.