Due to the possibility of contamination, the Ames Water Plant has shut down water supply to the distribution system community-wide effective 2:30 p.m.

A large water main break late Wednesday morning under Squaw Creek drained a city water tower, which dropped the distribution system pressure to a dangerous level, according to a news release.

The city of Ames warns that as of 2:30 p.m., any water still accessible at Ames homes or business should be considered as potentially contaminated. Any water used for consumption must be boiled.

A limited amount of water will be available after the shutdown, according to a news release.

Water pressure may be restored this evening pending the repair of the water main. The repair could take as long as 24 hours. The water boil order could continue for much longer.

Information courtesy of the city of Ames.