UPDATE FEB 26, 12:25PM
From Benton Utilities
The boil order advisory has officially been lifted by the Arkansas Department of Health, for the cities of Benton and Bauxite.
Thank you, all, for your patience!
UPDATE 5:00PM FEB 25
Via Benton Utilities Facebook:
Boil water advisory still in effect, but we’re two-thirds of the way there!!!
The second fifteen samples (2/24) have been tested and PASSED. The third and final fifteen samples (2/25) have been collected and submitted.
We expect test results tomorrow. We are SOOO ready to share the good news with you when it comes. We know you are ready too!
The next few days we may see black specs in our water. This is just due to sediment being stirred up in our water lines. There is adequate residual chlorine to ensure safety of the water for consumption.
Thank you, Benton, Southwest Water Users, Salem Water Users, Bauxite, Haskell, and Traskwood!
UPDATE 9AM FEB 22
The Arkansas Department of Health has CONFIRMED the ‘Boil Water’ Notice issued by David Vondran for All Benton Utilities Customers on February 18, 2021. This order was issued as a precautionary measure because of the possibility that contaminated water may have entered the distribution system as a result of a loss in normal system pressure.
Under the ‘Boil Water’ Notice, all affected customers are advised that the water may be unsafe for human consumption, and water used for drinking or food preparation must be boiled briskly for one (1) minute prior to use. All ice cubes should be discarded and only boiled water used for making ice.
This Notice will be lifted by the Department of Health when 1 set of 30 bacteriological samples indicate that the water is free of bacterial contamination and an adequate disinfectant level is established throughout the distribution system.
UPDATE 5:20PM FRIDAY FEB 19
In addition to the boil water notice for ALL Benton Utilities water customers, there is now a Conservation Order for the next day. The statement follows:
In order to restore pressure to all areas of our system, we are asking for a 24-hour conservation of water for the areas that have been restored. Please refrain from running your clothes washer and dish washer. Please take quick showers instead of running baths. Thank you, all, for the team effort required to return to normal. We need your help… again! Thanks!
UPDATE 4:05PM FRIDAY
The City of Benton issued a statement that the citywide boil water notice is in effect until at least Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021 for ALL Benton Utilities customers. Restaurants should not use ice machines or soda fountains until the order is lifted.
The statement said, “We know most of you do not have water service at this time, but wanted to get you prepared for the proper steps once service is restored. Please be cautious and careful if you out driving roads are still affected by this weather.”
UPDATE 1:30PM FRIDAY
Benton Utilities issued another status as follows:
Water crew is on-site where a 6″ main has ruptured on S. East at E. Smith St intersection. They have called in an emergency locate for other utilities to mark their lines, and now, they are gathering supplies to make the necessary repairs. Hopefully, this will assist with restoring pressure to all customers. We still have low pressure throughout our service area. If you notice any major water pooling anywhere, please call us at 501-776-5930. Reminder ALL Benton Utilities customers are under a boil order until lifted by the AR Dept. of Health. Scroll down to see instructions in red below. Thanks for your understanding, we are all in this together.
Related – Requirements for restaurants:
UPDATE 5:30AM FRIDAY
Benton Utilities issued another status as follows:
There are no new leaks within our system at this time. Our water plant is running full speed to refill our system. Customers should see water pressures return to normal. It will be a slow process because usage will increase throughout the day. Please report water leaks if you see any. You are our best source of information. We appreciate you and are still here until you are all fully restored.
UPDATE 11:52PM THURSDAY
Benton Utilities issued another status as follows:
Due to continued low/no pressure, we must now issue a mandatory, city-wide boil water notice. We know most of you do not have water service at this time, but wanted to get you prepared for the proper steps once service is restored. Water samples will be taken across our service area and tested by the Ark. Dept of Health. before releasing the boil water order. Thank you, as always!
UPDATE 6:48PM THU FEB 18
It’s hard to believe, but Benton Utilities says a second fire hydrant has been hit at the intersection of North Street and Couch Street. Not only that but a water main rupture in the area of 15438 South Street, by the Troutt Motel.
More info as we get it. Use the contact info in red below to report your issues.
UPDATE 5:00PM THU FEB 18
IF YOU’RE STILL HAVING ISSUES AFTER 3PM THURSDAY,
Message Benton Utilities through their website www.bentonutilities.com/report-problem
or Facebook page www.facebook.com/benton.utilities
There is a boil water notice for many water customers in Benton effective immediately. Residents south and east of Interstate 30 lost pressure in their water services Thursday morning due to a busted hydrant, according to Benton Utilities. There was an accident where a vehicle hit a hydrant at S. East St. and Willow St. then drove away. This resulted in the water spraying out at the site, as well as partial loss of system pressure.
See photos from the site of the accident at https://www.facebook.com/benton.utilities/posts/3773629919387685
The boil water notice is for the following areas of Benton:
- All areas south of Carpenter Street and Military Road to I-30.
- Further, south/east of I-30 to Alcoa Road.
- South, along Alcoa to Benton Parkway/Edison Street
- All areas along and south of Edison (Silica Hts. Ralph Bunche community), westward to East Street.
- Northward, along the east side of East Street, to Carpenter/Military Rd.
Some customers are still without water. The water plant is running to deliver water to the areas affected by the accident. Check your water occasionally for the return of water. Once present, please allow it to run to remove air from the lines.
Once your household has water again, it is recommended that you do the following:
- Bring water to a rolling boil for one minute prior to consumption, including use in cooking.
- After opening kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, and tubs, you may have to flush your toilets to remove more air.
- Be sure to open both hot and cold faucets. Air will be present in your hot water tanks also.
After repairs have been completed, water samples will be collected and delivered to the Arkansas Department of Health for analysis.