NATCHEZ — A boil-water notice affecting businesses and residences along John R. Junkin Drive has been lifted.

Natchez Water Works Superintendent Tony Moon said the notice was lifted Saturday following sample tests by the Mississippi Department of Health.

The notice was instituted Thursday night following the break of an 8-inch water main, causing the system to lose pressure.

When a distribution system loses pressure, contaminants can siphon back into the water. Public health officials consider any system that loses pressure contaminated until tests prove otherwise. Health officials strongly recommend that all water be boiled vigorously for one minute before it is consumed.

The area affected included John R. Junkin Drive, a portion of South Canal Street, Marin Avenue, the Bluff Street area, Glenwood subdivision and a portion of Government Fleet Road.

Since the boil-water notice has been lifted, residents should:

-Flush faucets for a total of 10 minutes to introduce system water throughout house plumbing. Flush any faucet a minimum of two minutes to ensure clearing of the line serving the faucet.

-Discard any drinks, ice or food made during the boil-water notice.

-Rewash any food or drink contact items, including cutlery and dishes, with “cleared” system water.

-Check water filters in faucets, refrigerators and elsewhere and replace if necessary.

-Not use water from your hot water heater for drinking until several exchanges of the tank have occurred.

-Run dishwasher through a cycle or two before washing dishes.