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The Department of Environmental Conservation is advising Kenai Peninsula property owners near flooding streams and rivers to boil their water used for drinking, cooking, hand washing or dish washing.
Wells near the flooded water systems may be contaminated with bacteria or other microorganisms that can cause illness. Boiling the water should reduce any harmful effects, and the department recommends boiling filtered and settled water vigorously for two minutes.
After the flooding subsides, the well and water systems should be disinfected with chlorine and thoroughly flushed, then tested for drinking safety, according to a release by the Kenai Peninsula Borough.
City of Seward officials report that the city water system is working and that two potable water stations are available for personal container use at the RV dump stations on B Street and Ballaine.
Kenai Lake, upper Kenai River and Kenai Keyes areas are experiencing some flooding in low-lying areas. Sunday evening, borough officials asked residents of the Kenai Keys subdivision, the Big Eddy subdivision and surrounding areas to prepare for possible evacuation. The Kenai River is expected to rise six inches and officials say moderate flooding could occur in low-lying areas.
According to officials, residents should prepare now by packing essential items such as prescription medicines, personnel records, extra clothing, hygience supplies, and emergency supplies.
The rivers and streams of western Kenai Peninsula are expected to crest from Sunday until Monday before the waters begin to recede. A flood warning remains in effect for the Kenai River until 10 p.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.