An Ames water main was broken Monday afternoon during construction at the new water treatment plant.

The main is one of three major mains in Ames that supplies water to approximately 157 residential properties and 100 commercial properties.

Iowa State’s campus was not in the affected area.

A boil water alert was issued to warn residents to boil tap water before use in order to kill bacteria and other organisms that may have contaminated the water during the break.

The city of Ames has flushed hydrants, taken bacterial samples and has deemed that Ames tap water is again safe to drink. The boil water alert has been lifted. Information about the flushing and sampling process can be found at the city of Ames website.

While the city notified residents by several methods, including sending Ames Fire Department door to door in the affected areas, the city said individuals can help it streamline the notification process in case of disaster or emergency by visiting cityofames.org and setting up preferences for the emergency alert system.