A boil water advisory continues in St. Stephen following ongoing repairs to the pumping system.

The advisory has been in place since Saturday due to high levels of turbidity, according to an alert issued at that time.

An update from the municipality on Tuesday afternoon shed more light on what led to the high turbidity levels.

Municipal staff were conducting normal daily maintenance on Jan. 29 when they encountered issues with a pump.

“During the repair, it was determined that the pump failure was a result of a constriction of a line running between the pump and well,” said the newest statement.

Crews replaced the line and were able to bring it and the new pump into service on Friday afternoon.

However, testing done at the reservoir outlet on Saturday showed a level of turbidity “in excess of regulated levels.”

Public Health was made aware and determined it was appropriate to issue a boil water advisory for the entire potable water system.

At the time, town staff said it was anticipated the advisory would remain in place for three to five days.

“At this time the boil water order remains in place while municipal staff, supported by necessary contracted services, continue efforts to ensure that all contributing factors to this situation are identified and corrected,” said Tuesday’s statement.

All water destined for consumption should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute.

That includes all water for cooking, drinking, food preparation, juice and drink mix preparation, making ice, washing fruits and vegetables or brushing teeth.

More details about boil water advisories can be found on the Department of Health’s website.