Boil Advisories
What is a boil advisory?A boil advisory is a notice that water to be used for consumption should be boiled for at least one minute. Boiling the water kills any potential bacteria and viruses that may exist due to low water pressure in the mains.
Is the water unsafe?Not necessarily. A boil advisory is a precautionary step meant to reduce the risk of illness or contamination. They are commonly issued following drops in water pressure, not as a result of detected bacteria in the water.
What do i have to do under a boil advisory?According to the CDC, bring all water for consumption to a full, rolling boil for at least 1 minute. After boiling, let the water cool before use. This includes all filtered water from appliances or home filtration systems. Also, be sure to turn off any ice makers as well.
What happens after an advisory is issued?When an advisory is issued, a sample of the water is sent to a lab to be tested for bacteria. This test takes about 2-3 days, at which point the boil advisory remains in place. If the test results show no contaminants, the advisory is lifted immediately.
Is it safe to bathe, shower and brush teeth under a boil advisory?Yes, it is safe to bathe or shower under a boil advisory, but take care not to swallow any water when doing so. Use caution when bathing children and consider a sponge bath instead.
When brushing teeth, use bottled or boiled water.
Can I wash dishes under a boil advisory?Yes, most dishwashers reach a sufficient temperature to make the water safe for washing. If your dishwasher has a "sanitizing" cycle, use that. If you wash dishes by hand, all dishes should be soaked in a solution of 1 teaspoon of unscented bleach to 1 gallon of water.
Can I do Laundry under a boil advisory?Yes, it is safe to wash clothes as usual.