NATCHEZ — A precautionary boil-water notice has been issued by Natchez Water Works for parts of the city after a water main broke on D’Evereux Drive Tuesday morning.

Water Works Superintendent Tony Moon said a large water main broke at approximately 10 a.m. on D’Evereux Drive at the St. Catherine Creek Bridge in front of OEC restaurant.

Water Works in conjunction with the health department issued a boil-water notice, Moon said, because a loss of pressure in the line can cause the water to become contaminated.

Additionally, Moon said, the turbulence from the “enormous amount” of water that was dis-charged after the break can stir up sediments in the line and cause it to become contaminated. The turbulence may have also caused some customers to experience discolored water.

The break, Moon said, sent a geyser of water shooting up approximately 10 to 15 feet from the line.

The boil-water notice is precautionary, Moon said, because Water Works cannot tell if the water is contaminated until the health department tests samples. Because of the holidays, that testing should happen next week.

Water Works estimates a little less than 1,000 customers could be affected by the water main break. Approximately 15 customers lost water service after the break, but Moon expected service to be re-stored by Tuesday night.

The areas affected by the boil-water notice are Ann Holden Lane, Hammett Street, Beaumont Street, Henderson Street, Bowman Street, Lincoln Street, Claiborne Street, Monette Street, Concord Avenue, Morgan Avenue, Covington Road, Morgantown Road, Daisy Street, Mount Carmel Drive, D’Evereux Drive, North Bluebird Drive, East First Street, Oakland Drive, East Stiers Lane, Old Washington Road, Gaile Avenue, Rushing Street, Gayosa Avenue, Sgt. Henry L. Brown Drive, T. Waring Bennett Road, West Stiers Lane and the immediate surrounding areas.

Residents who are not listed in the above areas, but lost water pressure after main break Tuesday should also consider their area under the boil-water notice. Any residents living in other areas not listed in the notice but who lost water pressure are asked to advise Water Works by calling 601-445-5521.

The boil-water notice is in effect until further notice, but Moon estimates it will take approximately a week to complete sample testing and determine if notice should continue.

While under a boil-water advisory, residents should not:

-Drink tap water while the water system is under a boil water advisory.

-Drink from water fountains in parks, public or private buildings that receive water from the affected system.

-Do not use ice unless it has been made with boiled water. Freezing will not necessarily kill harmful bacteria.

-Do not use tap water to make drinks, juices, or fountain soft drinks.

While under a boil-water advisory, residents should:

-Boil water vigorously for one minute before it is consumed.

-Wash dishes in boiled water, or use paper plates for the next few days. Wash fruits and vegetables with boiled or bottled water.

-Wash hands and bathe as usual. Bathing is safe as long as no water is swallowed.

-Brush teeth with boiled or bottled water.

-Cook with tap water if the food will be boiled for at least one minute.