A boil water order remains in effect for the nearly 400 Throop residents in Water District No. 1, who were affected by Tuesday's ruptured water main.

Eileen O'Connor, director of the Cayuga County Health Department, recommends that residents boil their water for at least a minute, then let it cool down before use in order to kill any bacteria.

This includes water for brushing teeth, cooking, washing dishes, making ice or for drinking.

Boiling the water will kill most bacteria and other organisms, O'Connor said.

Residents may also choose to purchase bottled water instead for consumption until the order is lifted.

The bacteria could have leaked into the pipes as maintenance crews responded to the problem, O'Connor said.

The health department will have the water tested for coliform, a bacteria often found in soil, which is an indicator of other harmful organisms.

The consumption of harmful bacteria could cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches and other symptoms, especially in the elderly, infants or individuals with compromised immune systems.

These symptoms are not only caused by bacteria, but if they persist, officials recommend visiting a doctor.

The boil water order will remain in effect pending the test results, likely no sooner than Friday.