Update: MSDH has lifted the boil-water alert as of Monday morning.

The Mississippi State Department of Health has issued a boil-water alert for parts of Lincoln County.

Residents who receive their drinking water from Topisaw Creek due to pressue loss after one or more line breaks. When a distribution system loses pressure, contaminants can siphon back into the water. Public health officials strongly recommend that all water be boiled vigorously for one minute before it is consumed.

The alert affects approximately 200 customers in the Wellham and Greenwood well area.

The water system will be notified when tests show that the water is safe to drink.

MSDH recommends the following:

• Do not drink tap water while the water system is under a boil water advisory.

• Do not drink from water fountains in parks, public or private buildings that receive water from the affected system.

• Do not use ice unless it has been made with boiled water. Freezing will not necessarily kill harmful bacteria.

• Do not use tap water to make drinks, juices or fountain soft drinks.

• Do wash your dishes in boiled water, or use paper plates for the next few days.

• Wash your fruits and vegetables with boiled or bottled water since they many have been exposed to affected water from grocery store sprayers.

• Wash your hands and bathe as usual. Bathing is safe as long as no water is swallowed.

• Brush your teeth with boiled or bottled water.

• Cook with tap water if the food will be boiled for at least one minute.

When the notice is lifted, MSDH recommends the following:

• Flush faucets for 10 minutes to introduce system water throughout house plumbing. Flush any faucet a minimum of 2 minutes to ensure clearing of the line serving the faucet.

• Discard and drinks, ice or food made during the boil water notice.

• Rewash any food or drink contact items with “cleared” system water.

• Check water filters and replace if necessary.

• Do not use water from your hot water heater for drinking until several exchanges of the tank have occurred.

• Run dishwasher through a cycle or two before washing dishes.