Newport issues boil water advisory after water main break

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) – The City of Newport issued a precautionary boil water advisory after a water main break on Wednesday.

A spokesperson for the city said the water main break happened around 11 a.m. at Gould and Warner Streets, which caused low pressure throughout the system.

The spokesperson advised those who are not sure if they’re in the water boil advisory area, to find out by clicking here.

As a precaution, residents are urged to boil their water before using it, or seek alternative water supplies.

“All water used for consumption should be boiled vigorously for at least one minute. This recommendation pertains to water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation. Alternatively, customers can use bottled water. Infants and young children should not be bathed in this water because they may swallow it accidentally. Anyone else using this water for bathing or showering should be careful to avoid swallowing the water,” a spokesperson for the Rhode Island Department of Health said Wednesday evening.

A health care provider should be contacted if anyone on the water system has any of the following symptoms:

• Fever over 101.5° F, measured orally
• Blood in the stool
• Prolonged vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down (which can lead to dehydration)
• Signs of dehydration, including a decrease in urination, a dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up
• Diarrheal illness that lasts more than 3 days.

Those with questions are asked to call the Newport Water Division at (401)-845-5600.