DENVER -- Some residents in Alamosa can use tap water for showers after officials announced that the chlorine being used to kill salmonella bacteria is diluted enough in some areas.

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.

City officials said residents from the northern city limits south to the north side of Clark Street and from Stadium Drive west to the western city limits can use the water for showers only.

Other residents were urged to wait until they received a Stage 2 Yellow notification at their home.

Other parts of the city are expected to be cleared to Stage 2 on Sunday. City officials asked for the public's help in handing out notifications. Anyone who wants to volunteer should call the American Red Cross at 1-719-587-3314.

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 7 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.