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Update: The boil order was lifted July 18, according to a Facebook post from the Garfield County Sheriff's Office. - - - - - -
PANGUITCH — Residents are being asked not to drink or use any culinary water, as it has been contaminated following a storm.
Garfield County Sheriff James Perkins said the water is murky and muddy and unusable.
High potential contamination levels were detected at the city's water source on Saturday after a flash flood caused sediment and other toxins to run into the watershed and damage one of the spring collection boxes, allowing mud into the main water system. The levels exceed the short-term dosage level for human consumption, according to the sheriff's office.
Perkins said water should not be used in food, for brushing teeth, showering or drinking.
Bottled water is available at the sheriff's office and the city park. One case of water per household is also available at Silver Eagle, 575 S. Center Street, in Panguitch. A water truck has been stationed at the city park for residents to fill buckets and jugs with culinary water for dish washing or spot baths.
Officials reported Saturday evening the city's tanks have been cleaned and are being refilled. City leaders are "hoping to be to a boil order by the end of this weekend," the sheriff's office reported on social media.
"The city employees, along with many other people, are working very hard to get the water back in good condition," the sheriff's office said.
