Birmingham Water Works mandated a boil water alert for northwest Jefferson County after a water main break Friday morning off Highway 78.

The utility said these areas should bring all water to a rolling boil for three minutes before cooling:

• Forestdale
• Sandusky
• Pratt City
• Lewisburg
• Upper Coalburg
• Coalburg
• Mineral Springs
• Pinkney City
• Hayes
• Highland
• Greenleas Heights
• Smithfield Estates
• Zion Heights
• Westwood
• Union Grove
• Hillview
• Adamsville
• Fultondale
• Highway 78
• Cherry Avenue
• Tomahawk Drive

The boil water alert was also issued for streets adjacent to:

• Pratt Highway
• Dugan Highway
• Hibernian Street
• Coalburg Road
• Upper Coalburg Road
• Heflin Avenue
• Walker Chapel Road
• Brookside Coalburg Road

Customers were also advised to use bottled water if they do not want to boil water.

“Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms,” BWW stated. “These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly and people with severely compromised immune systems. All stored water, drinks, or ice made recently from this supply should be discarded.”

The utility anticipates restoring service by Friday night.

After repairs are completed, BWW said it will test the water supply and notify the public when the boil water alert is lifted.