FILE - A resident boils water on an electric induction stove on Feb. 10, 2025, in New York. In eastern Oregon, the city of Ontario is asking residents to boil their water "vigorously" before drinking.
John Minchillo / AP
Some residents of Ontario, Oregon, will have to boil all water used for drinking and cooking after a mechanical failure at the city’s water treatment plant.
The city of Ontario issued the advisory on Sunday, encouraging users of its water system to boil their water “vigorously” for at least one minute before using it for drinking or cooking.
State records show the system has more than 14,000 customers. Residents should avoid making ice with the water if it hasn’t been boiled ahead of time.
A water booster failed in the eastern part of the city — which is near the Oregon-Idaho border — leading to a sudden drop in water pressure below 20 pounds per square inch, or psi, according to the release. Such low pressures can lead to the potential growth of bacteria and other contaminants.
It’s still unclear if the water is currently unhealthy to drink or when the boil water notice will be lifted. Officials in Ontario said they will be performing tests while the notice is in effect. They also said backup boosters are operational and that water pressure has returned to normal.
