By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – The Alabaster Water Board has lifted the boil water notice for portions of the city after testing revealed the water is again safe for drinking and cooking.

The Water Board lifted the boil water notice shortly after noon on Dec. 14 after it received bacteriologic test results from the state certified laboratory on nine Alabaster water samples.

The Water Board was forced to issue the boil water notice for portions of Alabaster on Dec. 12 due to a water main break and loss of water system pressure along U.S. 31 and Shelby County 68.

The Water Board originally had issued a boil water notice for the entire city, but later clarified the areas affected:

-Areas east of Shelby County 95 and north of Industrial Road

-Areas north of Industrial Road along First Street North/U.S. 31

-Areas east of U.S. 31 from Shelby County 68 to Interstate 65.

During the boil water notice, Alabaster residents in the affected areas were encouraged use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and food preparation.

When water mains lose pressure, it increases the chance of untreated water and harmful microbes entering the water causing a health hazard.

Harmful microbes in drinking water can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms. This also poses a special health risk for infants, some elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.

For residents who have questions, please contact Alabaster Water at 663-6155.