Authorities in Las Vegas, New Mexico, have issued an urgent advisory urging residents and businesses to turn off all boilers and water heaters immediately due to ongoing issues with low water pressure and water outages.
The advisory, issued late Saturday, comes as officials work to resolve significant disruptions in the city's water system, which have left many residents experiencing little to no running water. The city has also issued a precautionary boil water advisory, warning that the existing water supply may be unsafe for consumption.
City Officials Warn of Potential Damage to Appliances
The City of Las Vegas stated that running water heaters or boilers without adequate water supply could cause severe damage to the equipment and lead to potential safety hazards. The directive applies to any household or business currently experiencing low water pressure or complete outages.
In a statement posted on social media, city officials emphasized the importance of shutting down affected appliances to prevent overheating, system failures, or potential fire hazards.
Residents have been advised to keep water heaters and boilers turned off until the city's water system is fully restored.
Boil Water Advisory Issued Amid Possible Contamination
As a precaution, the city has also issued a boil water advisory, instructing residents to boil all drinking and cooking water for at least one minute before use. Officials warn that the drop in water pressure could lead to potential contamination of the supply, increasing the risk of bacterial infections and waterborne illnesses.
The advisory states that boiled or bottled water should be used for:
- Drinking and cooking
- Washing fruits and vegetables
- Brushing teeth
- Making ice
The city has advised infants, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems to take extra precautions as they may be more vulnerable to contaminated water.
Investigation and Restoration Efforts Underway
City engineers and water management officials are working to identify the cause of the pressure issues and implement necessary repairs. No timeline has been provided for when full water service will be restored, though officials have assured residents that efforts are ongoing.
"We understand the difficulties this is causing for our community," a city spokesperson said in a statement. "Our crews are working as quickly as possible to assess the situation and restore water service to affected areas."
Authorities have also warned that additional updates will be issued as the situation develops.
Residents Urged to Stay Informed
- Officials are urging residents to monitor official city communication channels
The water disruption has affected homes, businesses, and public facilities across the region, leading to concerns over sanitation and public health. Emergency response teams are working to ensure critical infrastructure, including hospitals and emergency services, maintain water access.
The city is expected to issue additional guidance as more information becomes available.