A break in the main waterline was the cause of a boil order Wednesday morning for Gurdon Waterworks customers.
According to the Arkansas Department of Health website, the boil order was issued at 9:22 a.m. on Oct. 14.
The City of Gurdon said on its Facebook page that the water system was the victim of not one but two leaks Tuesday, the second of which happened that evening and was cause for more alarm.
Though crews reportedly worked throughout the night to make repairs, the issue forced Gurdon Public Schools to announce its closure for Wednesday.
An update from the city Wednesday morning noted the repairs had been made, though customers’ water pressure would be low for an undetermined amount of time.
The break was reportedly caused by persisting drought conditions, as “extremely dry ground is shifting and putting stress on our underground water lines, causing them to break,” the city’s Facebook page said.
Gurdon Waterworks serves a population of nearly 3,000 people in southern Clark County.
While under a boil order, residents should use bottled water or bring tap water to a rolling boil for 1-3 minutes for all consumption and food preparation. Raw tap water should not be used for brushing teeth, or in ice and drinks, nor should it be given to pets.