During planned system maintenance and construction or during unforeseen emergencies such as broken water mains, hurricanes or losses of water system power or pressure, it may be necessary to issue a precautionary boil water notice to our customers.
Boiling the water disinfects it, destroying any microorganisms that might have entered the water main during the period it was being repaired. Bottled water can also be used as an alternative to boiling tap water.
What do I need to do when a boil water notice is in effect for my area?
The tap water should be heated to a rolling boil for one (1) full minute, then cool before using. We advise that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing fruits, vegetables and dishes be boiled.
Tap water may be used for showering, baths, shaving and washing, as long as care is taken not to swallow or allow water in eyes or nose or mouth. Children and disabled individuals or those with suppressed immune systems should be supervised to ensure water is not ingested. Though the risk of illness is minimal those individuals who have recent surgical wounds, are immunosuppressed, or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled water for cleansing until the advisory is lifted.
Customers should follow boil water procedures until they receive a public notice that cancels the boil water advisory.
After service is resumed, it is advised that residents open their faucets for a few minutes to clear their water lines. Do not use the water for washing clothes until the water is running clear.
Your in-home water treatment system does not provide enough protection.
The Department of Health does not encourage residents to rely on home treatment units. It is recommended that you use boiled (and then cooled) water or an alternate source such as bottled water. Most in-home treatment devices are not designed to remove pathogens, and should not be relied on to protect you during a boil water event. Even treatment units that are designed to remove pathogens may not do so all the time unless they have been properly maintained. Common home treatment devices that have limited or no ability to remove pathogens include: carbon filters; water softeners and other ion exchange units; sediment filters; chlorine removers; and aerators.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Units
A properly operating reverse osmosis (RO) unit can remove pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and protozoa. However there are many units available to the public through hardware stores and elsewhere, not all of which can be relied upon to remove pathogens. Furthermore, RO units must be diligently maintained to assure effective treatment. If you are at all uncertain of the capabilities of your reverse osmosis unit, do not rely on it to remove potentially harmful pathogens.
- Water pitchers or dispensers with filters will not substitute
- Any water used for cooking needs to be boiled first or used from an alternative source
- Any water used for baby food, formula or making beverages must be boiled (and then cooled) or be from an acceptable alternate source
- Do not use water straight from the tap to brush teeth
- There is no need to disinfect water used for flushing toilets
- It is safe to use tap water to wash clothes
Other FAQs
Is potentially contaminated water safe for washing dishes?
Hand-washed dishes: No! Use boiled (then cooled) water, water from an alternate source, or after washing with dish detergent rinse for a minute in a dilute bleach (1 tablespoon of unscented bleach per gallon of water). Allow dishes, cutlery, cups, etc. to completely air dry before use.
Home dishwasher: Yes, if the hot wash is at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit and includes a full dry cycle. However, most home dishwashers do not reach this temperature. If you are uncertain of the temperature of your dishwasher, rinse in dilute bleach and completely air dry as described for hand washed dishes.
Commercial dishwasher: Yes, if it is an NSF listed washer and manufactured and operated with a heat sanitizing rinse set at 170 degrees Fahrenheit that lasts for at least 30 seconds. Additional information on commercial dishwashers can be found in the fact sheets for food service establishments.
CAUTION - "Green" or "Environmentally Friendly" dish washer additives, which may be advertised as a disinfectant or anti-microbial, are weaker disinfectants and should not be relied on alone to eliminate potential pathogens
What if I have already consumed potentially contaminated water?
The likelihood of becoming ill is low. However, illness is certainly possible, especially for people that have a chronic illness or may be immunocompromised. This is why boil water notices are issued.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of gastroenteritis, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, with or without fever, should seek medical attention. These symptoms are not unique to exposure to potential contaminants/organisms in the water, and a doctor's involvement is key to identifying the cause of your illness. If your doctor suspects a waterborne illness, you may be asked to provide blood and/or stool samples.
What infectious organisms might be present in contaminated water?
There are many possible water borne pathogens.
These organisms primarily affect the gastrointestinal system, causing diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting, with or without fever. Sometimes, these illnesses are contracted by ingesting contaminated water, and in some circumstances skin contact could also lead to infection. Most of these illnesses are not usually serious or life threatening except in the elderly, the very young or those who are immune compromised.
What should homeowners do when the boil water notice is lifted?
- Flush household pipes/faucets first: To flush your plumbing, run all your cold water faucets on full for at least 5 minutes each. If your service connection is long or complex (like in an apartment building) consider flushing for a longer period. Your building superintendent or landlord should be able to advise you on longer flushing times.
- Automatic ice makers: Dump existing ice and flush the water feed lines by making and discarding three batches of ice cubes. Wipe down the ice bin with a disinfectant. If your water feed line to the machine is longer than 20 feet, increase to five batches.
- Hot water heaters, water coolers, in line filters, and other appliances with direct water connections or water tanks: Run enough water to completely replace at least one full volume of all lines and tanks. If your filters are near the end of their life, replace them.
- Water softeners: Run through a regeneration cycle.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) units: Replace pre-filters, check owner's manual.
- Replace other water filters, as they are disposable and may be contaminated. This applies especially to carbon filters and others that are near the end of their life.