HACKETT, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has released the boil order by Donald Sandifer for the Sugarloaf area and Slaytonville areas, including Hackett, that was placed on Feb. 19.
The order was issued as a precautionary measure because of the possibility that contaminated water may have entered the distribution system as a result of complete loss in normal system pressure.
Bacteriological samples were taken on March 3 and were found to be free of bacterial contamination on March 4.
A satisfactory disinfectant level has been established throughout the distribution system, and the water is considered safe for human consumption, according to ADH.
In February, the City of Hackett announced that water supplies are depleted following this week's winter storm. This came as a precautionary boil order was issued for parts of south Sebastian County because of possible contaminated water that may have entered the James Fork Regional Water distribution system due to low
On Feb. 25, Travis Cooper with Sebastian County Emergency Management said, “James Fork Water Association stated to me today that they are still actively filling the water tanks in the area affected, the process is taking much longer due to the shortage and usage. All known leaks of the association have been repaired and they hope to see residents have water later today or tomorrow, but a boil order is still in effect.”
The boil order was issued Friday, Feb. 19. for Hackett and the communities in the Sugarloaf area and Slaytonville.
All James Fork Regional Water customers in the impacted areas were advised that their water may be unsafe for human consumption.
Hackett Mayor Trini Harper told 5NEWS city leaders worked with the Sebastian County Emergency Management to get 500 gallons of drinkable water to the Hackett Fire Station to help those in need of drinking water.
Harper said the water could be out for a couple of days with a boil order likely to be in effect for a week or more.
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