The City of Girard will test the quality of their water again Tuesday but, the mayor says it could be at least Wednesday until the city feels comfortable enough to lift a boil alert that's affecting both their city and parts of Liberty Township.

The boil alert impacts anyone who gets water from the Girard Water Department, including residents of Liberty Township.

The alert was issued after a water line break that occurred Saturday along the 900 block of Tibbets Wick Road.

The mayor emphasizes that the alert is a precautionary measure. Testing so far hasn't shown any sign of serious concern but, the mayor says they want to wait until water pressure is at full capacity to test again.

"Most importantly are the people that that 18 inch line serves and that would be, as I mentioned earlier, the Squaw Creek, Seneca Woods, the Eastern portion of Girard, the high school areas, and portions of Liberty Township," said Mayor James Melfi.

The portion of Liberty Township includes about 1,000 homes.

The mayor says those are primarily located south of Tibbets Wick Road and north of State Route 304, between Belmont Avenue and Shannon Road.

The superintendent of Girard City Schools says drinking water fountains in all the schools have been shut off and covered. The district is also supplying water bottles to their students.

The owner of the Fire Grill on North State Street says after hearing about the boil alert, he double checked their filter system to ensure the water, pop, and ice were safe.

"It affects business if you don't do what is required of you and you have patrons who go away feeling sick and not well that's a mark on us and we just cant afford to do that," said Owner Arthur Einzig.

Environmental officials say that people affected by a boil alert should boil tap water vigorously for at least one full minute prior to using it for drinking or cooking (the minute starts when the water begins to bubble).

This includes water used for brushing teeth, making ice, washing raw foods, preparation of drinks, and water for pets.

Wait for the water to cool before using it, or store it in the refrigerator in a clean container.

Boiling kills harmful bacteria in the water that may cause illness.

You should throw away ice made during the time the advisory or notice was issued, as freezing does not kill bacteria.

The mayor says the boil alert will remain in effect until at least Wednesday, possibly Friday.