The Sudbury and District Health Unit is issuing a precautionary boil water advisory effective immediately for all residents in the Clendenin area of Kanawha County who draw their water from the municipal water system.

The boil water advisory was driven by a water main break. West Virginia American Water crews are working to fix the break.

It advised the customers to boil their water before consumption until further notice. Water used for drinking, cooking, bathing and brushing teeth should be brought to a full boil for a minimum of one minute, before use.

Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms that might be present in the water.

West Virginia American Water also recommended throwing away beverages and ice cubes made with tap water. Boiled water should be kept in the refrigerator for drinking and pets should be given boiled water after cooling. It stressed that boiling water should be used instead of filtering devices or bottled water.

"Until bacteriological testing of the drinking water indicates a safe supply, the boil water advisory will remain in effect", said Burgess Hawkins, a Manager in the Health Unit's Environmental Health Division.

The Unit will inform the municipality when the boil water advisory is lifted.