ALAMOSA, Colo. -- Chlorine being used to kill salmonella bacteria in Alamosa's water system may be diluted enough by Saturday that residents can use tap water to shower.

City officials said residents would be notified when the phased Stage 2 Yellow water alert flyer was delivered to their home or business.

Residents can use the water to shower only. Officials said they should run each faucet, both hot and cold, for five minutes to dilute the chlorinated water in their homes and businesses.

The disinfection process began Tuesday, five days after officials confirmed the presence of salmonella in the water. The source is still unknown.

Nearly 300 people have become ill, with 73 cases of salmonella confirmed.

During the cleansing process, the chlorine level in tap water is more than five times greater than what's needed to keep a swimming pool clean.

Authorities said it could be April 7th before levels are low enough that residents can drink the water.

In the meantime, officials said that tap water is usable only for flushing toilets. Volunteers and the National Guard are passing out clean water at distribution points.