Boil Water Advisory Issued for About 600 Customers in Southwest Medford

MEDFORD, Ore. (Apr. 16, 2026) — A boil water advisory has been issued for approximately 600 customers in southwest Medford following a temporary loss of pressure in the city’s water system, officials said Thursday.

Medford Water said the advisory, issued April 16, affects a specific area that includes Griffin Creek Elementary School and South Medford High School. The notice will remain in effect until further testing confirms the water supply is safe.

The advisory stems from a water main on Archer Drive, between Columbus Avenue and Griffin Creek Road, that became depressurized during maintenance work earlier in the day. Officials said the brief drop in pressure could allow potentially harmful bacteria to enter the distribution system.

If present, such bacteria could cause illness, particularly among people with weakened immune systems.

The affected area includes locations west of Columbus Avenue to Griffin Creek Road and between Alamar Street and Cunningham Avenue. Impacted customers are being directly notified, and officials said they have contacted administrators at both schools.

Customers in the affected area are advised to bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before using it. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, preparing food and baby formula, brushing teeth, making ice, washing produce and cleaning food-contact surfaces.

The advisory will remain in place until water quality tests confirm that no contamination is present.

For more information, customers can contact Medford Water’s customer service department during business hours or call an after-hours emergency line. General guidance on reducing risks from contaminated drinking water is also available through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Oregon Health Authority.

Officials added that customers affected by service interruptions should flush indoor cold-water faucets for several minutes after service is restored to clear any air or debris from the system.

UPDATE: The advisory has been lifted.