HUNTSVILLE, Utah — It’s finally over.
In Huntsville, people have been under a boil-water order for more than a week. But that order was finally lifted Monday afternoon.
As people prepare for their holiday gatherings, they’re also thankful for their Christmas gift this year — that precious water.
In early December, a significant leak was found in the town’s water system. Over the last couple of weeks, people have visited different water stations across Huntsville to fill up their jugs for basic needs like using the bathroom and bathing.
The town was under a boil-water order as a precaution since Dec. 15, according to Huntsville’s Mayor Richard Sorensen.
Max and Suzanne Ferre have been busy all morning. Cooking, prepping, and answering phone calls for their big Christmas Eve party they’ve hosted since 1937.
Since learning about the leak, they’ve been worried they wouldn’t get to continue that tradition this year.
“We had quite the telephone calls going back and forth,” Suzanne said. “What should we do? Should we not start to get ready? We were praying we could have enough water to at least gather together.”
Over these last few days, the couple have needed to add an extra step to their holiday recipes.
“We’ve had to grab the water, boil it first, and then use it for cooking,” Suzanne explained Monday.
Max, 86, said the community has shown up for another through it all.
“As I filled them up, put lids on them, and traveled back, my back was giving out. I came into the house and Suzy said these neighbors called and they said, ‘If there’s anything you need, we would be happy to come and help,’” Max said.
And those neighbors did.
“We called them, and they came over and these kids hauled everything,” he explained. “They really really helped.”
Max and Suzanne are relieved they’ll continue their family tradition this year. But most of all, they’re grateful for a Christmas miracle.
“We’re so appreciative of the water, of every drop, every time we open a tap, every time we flush the toilet, and every time we shower,” Max said. “I just appreciate it so much, and I’m just so thankful.”
Residents are urged to follow these guidelines before using the town's water system:
- Flush household pipes/faucets first.
- To flush your plumbing, run all your cold-water faucets on full for at least 5 minutes each.
- For a residence with multiple levels, start at the top of the house.
- If your service connection is long or complex (like in an apartment building) consider flushing for a longer period. Your building superintendent or landlord should be able to advise you on longer flushing times.
- If the water is discolored, continue to run it from the tap until it is clear.
- Ice and automatic ice makers:
- Wash and sanitize ice trays.
- For an icemaker, dump existing ice and flush the water feed lines by making and discarding at least three batches of ice cubes.
- Wipe down the ice bin with a disinfectant.
- Hot water heaters, water coolers, in line filters, and other appliances with a water connection or water tanks (such as kitchen appliances, humidifiers, swamp coolers):
- Run enough water to completely replace at least one full volume of all lines and tanks.
- Follow any other instructions from the appliance manufacturer.
