A boil water warning is in effect for northwest Jefferson County following a burst water pipe

Birmingham Water Works issued a boil water warning for northwest Jefferson County after a water main break Friday morning on Highway 78 in Pratt City.

The utility said that in these areas all water should be brought to a boil for three minutes before cooling:

• Forestdale
• Sandusky
• Pratt City
• Lewisburg
• Upper Coalburg
• Coal Castle
• Mineral springs
• Pinkney City
• Hayes
• Highlands
• Greenleas Heights
• Smithfield Estates
• Zion Heights
• Westwood
• Union Grove
• View from the hill
• Adamsville
• Fultondale
• Highway 78
• Cherry Alley
• Tomahawk Drive

The boil water warning has also been issued for adjacent streets:

• Pratt Highway
• Dugan Hwy
• Hibernian Street
• Coalburg Rd
• Upper Coalburg Road
• Heflin Ave
• Walker Chapel Rd
• Brookside Coalburg Rd

Although not listed in the BWW alert, Graysville residents must boil water, according to Mayor Clark “Julio” Davis:

Customers were also advised to use bottled water if they do not want to boil water.

The energy supplier found out about the break around 6 a.m. on Friday, said BWW managing director Michael Johnson.

“We received notification that there was a leak in our West Filtration Plant. “This leak was in a 16-inch water main,” Johnson told reporters Friday afternoon.

“Because of the proximity to the plant … they started losing pressure very quickly,” he said. “We don’t see that often, and because of the loss of pressure … we had to issue a boil water notice.”

Johnson said the water should not be used for brushing teeth, washing dishes, preparing food or drinking.

“Inadequately treated water may contain pathogenic organisms,” BWW said in a press release announcing the warning. “These organisms include bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms. They may pose a particular health risk to infants, young children, some elderly people and people with severely weakened immune systems. Any stored water, drinks or ice recently made from this supply should be discarded.”

In addition to issuing a press release, Johnson said the utility also made robocalls to affected customers.

Johnson said the utility expects to restore service by Friday evening.

“We hope to make a repair this evening,” he said. “Once we complete the repairs, we will flush the lines, begin water testing and issue a notice that the boil water advisory has been lifted.”