Bottled water advisory in Elliott has been lifted

Updated: A bottled water advisory issued for the City of Elliott on Tuesday has been lifted.

Test results were clear for samples taken from the city's water well Tuesday and Wednesday, according to a representative from the Iowa Department of Natrual Resources.

Earlier:

An electrical short in a well house serving the city of Elliott in Montgomery County prevented the well from coming online, and residents are advised to drink bottled water only.

Although the well is back online, it will take several hours before the tower refills and pressure is restored. Due to high nitrate levels, the bottled water advisory has been issued. Bacteria samples were collected Tueday and Wednesday. Until those samples are cleared, the city is furnishing bottled water to residents, available at town hall.

Test results may be available late Thursday at the earliest, or, more likely, Friday. Residents should use bottled water until then. Infants who drink water containing nitrates in excess of the standards could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome. All residents should use only bottled water. Do not boil tap water, as boiling increases nitrate concentrations.