ST. PAUL, Minn. - Residents in areas of West St. Paul are being warned not to drink city tap water after a power failure triggered by overnight storms shut down a pump station.

Saint Paul Regional Water Services is issuing an advisory due to the possibility that low water pressure could have allowed harmful bacteria to enter the system. 

"We are asking customers in West Saint Paul served by that pump station not to drink the tap water," said Steve Schneider, general manager.

The area impacted is bounded by Hwy. 52 in the east, Mendota Road in the South and Delaware Street in the west. From Delaware, the northern border area follows along Dodd Road to the south side of Bernard Street to Bidwell, then south to Butler Ave. to Robert Street and south to Emerson Avenue to Oakdale and south to Wentworth Avenue and back to Hwy. 52.

Residents are advised to use bottled water for their drinking water needs, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until notified by the utility.

"Employees of Saint Paul Regional Water Services are working to resolve the problem, and we will keep the public informed of any progress," said Schneider. "We will inform you when tests show no bacteria and a positive chlorine residual throughout the distribution system.

Officials say tap water problem should be solved within 24 hours.  

Potential symptoms related to fecal or E.Coli in drinking water may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. These may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. 

Residents wanting more information are asked to call Saint Paul Regional Water Service at 651-266-6350, or log on to the agency's website  

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