ALAMOSA, Colo. -- Alamosa is still on stage 2 water restrictions, which means residents still can't drink the water.

In a news release sent to 7NEWS, Alamosa Mayor Farris Bervig reminded residents they "should continue to use bottle or bulk water for drinking and cooking. People can, however, take brief showers in lukewarm water and also wash clothes."

Alamosa warned residents to stop using their tap water on March 19 because of salmonella contamination.

Last week, crews flushed chlorine through the water system to try to rid the bacteria.

The chlorine levels have dropped enough to allow residents to take short showers, but the levels have not dropped enough to let people use the water to cook, drink or even wash their hands. All of that must be done with bottled water.

Another concern in Alamosa is bacteria. City Market has donated 5,000 bottles of hand sanitizer at its store. It is free to Alamosa residents.

In a video message to residents on Wednesday, the mayor stressed the importance of handwashing and using hand sanitizer.

For more information about the Alamosa water situation, call the CO-Help line at 1-877-462-2911. It is staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Or visit The City of Alamosa Web site.