Water lack results in vomiting in Alabama

ATLANTA, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- A loss of drinking water service or low-water pressure for as much as two weeks in two rural Alabama areas resulted in vomiting or diarrhea, U.S. officials say.

A public health investigation looked into possible health effects from the public water loss and found residents who had low water pressure or no water service for at least a week reported 2 to 3 times more vomiting or diarrhea than residents who did not experience water shortages, health officials say.

The investigation found households had not adequately prepared for the duration of the water emergency -- 45 percent had any stored water and less than 10 percent had 5 gallons or more.

"Less than half of the residents heard about the boil water advisories at the beginning of the emergency and 30 percent of residents drank unboiled tap water, indicating that emergency response messages were not reaching all members of the community," the investigation finds. "Communities and households need to be prepared for water-related emergencies to avoid potential health impacts associated with loss of water service and pressure."

Government response agencies need to have communication, notification, and response plans in place to respond effectively to water-related emergencies, health officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta advise.

The findings are published in the CDCs Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, released Thursday.