The boil-water alert in Oxford is having far-reaching effects beyond the tap, severely impacting local businesses and services.

With approximately 14,650 customers in Lafayette County advised to boil water due to contamination, grocery stores like Kroger have halted sales of fresh produce, and closures have been reported in bakery and meat departments due to the water issue.

State health officials have extended the advisory to include soda fountains and ice machines, recommending that any products made with tap water should not be consumed. This has led to a temporary shutdown of several food service establishments, including Chick-fil-A, Starbucks and Highpoint Coffee, as they comply with safety directives.

The Oxford Eagle will be providing ongoing updates on business closures and the status of the advisory throughout the day. Despite the widespread disruptions, the Lafayette County School District has assured that its water supply is not affected by the Oxford Utilities issue, confirming that students’ health and safety remain uncompromised.

Mississippi State Department of Health recommends using bottled or cooled-down boiled water for use with pets at this time.

Residents and businesses are bracing for continued impact until the water system is declared safe for use, which Oxford Utilities anticipates by Dec. 9. The community is urged to follow all recommended precautions and stay informed through updates from local authorities and the Oxford Eagle.