Both Mingo County West Virginia and Pike County Kentucky water companies have issued boil water advisories per a Williamson Water line break at South Williamson

Williamson Water announced a boil water advisory for areas in West Williamson, W.Va., and South Williamson, Ky., while Mountain Water District of Pikeville issued warnings for South Williamson and Turkey Creek, Ky., in the same general area.

Williamson Water Chief Operator Barry Day reported a line break near the Appalachian Regional Hospital in South Williamson, Ky., has resulted in conditions indicating there is a high probability of contamination to the water. The bread does not appear to be weather-related, Day said.

Although testing has not occurred to confirm or deny the presence of contamination, Williamson Water is advising customers in West Williamson, W.Va, and South Williamson, Ky., from Pappa Johns to ARH and Happy Valley and New Camp to boil water before drinking it.

Customers are advised to bring water to a boil, allowing it to boil for one minute, and letting it cool before using. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. Residents should boil or use bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, bathing and food preparation until further notice.

The break caused the water system to lose pressure, Day reported the leak has been fixed and bacterial testing is taking place. The company advises the problem should be resolved within one week.

Mountain Water District Manager Grondall Potter reported customers from ARH at South Williamson, Ky., to 5066 Ky. Route 292 at Car Doctors, including Turkey Creek up to the the Williamson Area Church of Christ and the Rogers Park area should boil water before using it.

Potter reported the water should be boiled at a "rolling boil" for at least three minutes to protect against potential bacteria.

Mountain Water Executive Assistant Tammy Olson said the advisory is due to the break in Williamson's line and includes the same areas for which Williamson has issued a boil water advisory.

Since Mountain Water purchases a lot of water for the South Williamson area from Williamson Water, but can't control when the line will be fixed, Olson said Mountain Water felt it necessary to issue an advisory, and has offered to assist Williamson in any way possible.