by Emily Hemphill, emily@sewardindependent.com
UPDATED 4:23 P.M. June 17: The Boil Water Order has been lifted in Utica. Residents may resume using the water for consumption.
The second round of tests required by the state have been returned with negative results for coliform and E. coli bacteria.
UPDATED 7 P.M. JUNE 16:
Power has been restored to Utica residents after more than 100 poles and electrical lines were damaged in Tuesday night's storms.
Norris Public Power District says it is ready to energize lines shortly to the remaining customers still without power.
Utica water samples submitted to the state lab tested negative for bacteria June 16. Per state requirements, another round of samples must be tested and show a negative result before the boil water order will be lifted. Those results are expected June 17.
Utica is under an order to boil all drinking water before consumption. Because the water tower is out of service for painting and interior maintenance, the water system is relying on its wells. When the power went out last night, the water system lost pressure. Though water service has been restored, the state now requires the village to pass certain water tests to ensure safe drinking water. Until the results of those tests are confirmed, residents are asked to boil their water or consume bottled water instead.
Utica is currently without power, and may be for several days, according to the Norris Public Power District and village officials. NPPD reported more than 75 transmission lines and many more distribution lines are down, which will take some time to repair.
Between Seward and Utica, at least 17 irrigation pivots were mangled or overturned in the storm. Several grain bins were flattened, sucked inward or had their roof torn off, and trees split in half or were uprooted. Hail damage to crops is extensive.
Stay tuned for more updates.
