Boil Water Advisory FAQ
Boil Water Advisory FAQ
Boil Water Advisory FAQ
3. Who should I call with questions specific to this Boil Water Advisory?
Please contact the person listed on the Boil Water Advisory for specific details regarding this
advisory.
4. How do I disinfect my water if I cannot boil my water and do not have bottled water?
Using a clean, sanitized container, disinfect tap water by adding 8 drops, about 1/8 teaspoon, of
plain unscented household bleach to a gallon of water. Thoroughly mix the solution and allow
the water to stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy, repeat the process. Use a container
with a cap or cover for disinfecting and storing water to be used for drinking. This will prevent
re-contamination.
be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and preparing food until
further notice.
Hygiene
7. Is potentially contaminated water safe for bathing and shaving during a Boil Water Advisory?
The water may be used for showering, baths, shaving and washing, but dont swallow water or
allow it to get in your eyes, nose or mouth. Children and disabled individuals should have their
bath supervised to make sure water is not ingested. Minimize bathing time. Though the risk of
illness is minimal, individuals who have recent surgical wounds, have compromised immune
systems, or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled or boiled water for
cleansing until the advisory is lifted. People at increased risk should seek advice about drinking
water from their health care provider.
13. Can I use my coffee maker, ice machine, water or soda dispenser?
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Do not use if they are directly connected to your water supply. Use bottled water or water that
has been boiled or disinfected for making coffee and ice. Also, filters dont work for removing
bacteria. Once you have been notified that the boil water advisory has been lifted, these devices
should be cleaned, disinfected and flushed according to the operator's manual for the device.
14. What do I do with food and drink prepared during the Boil Water Advisory?
Throw away uncooked food, beverages or ice cubes if made or prepared using tap water during
the day(s) of the advisory.
15. How should I wash fruit, vegetables, and food preparation surfaces or make ice?
Wash fruit and vegetables with boiled (then cooled water) or bottled water or water sanitized
with 8 drops (about 1/8 teaspoon) of unscented household bleach per gallon of water. Also, use
boiled water, or a bleach-based spray disinfectant to wash surfaces where food is prepared. Ice
should be made with boiled water, bottled water or disinfected water.
Commercial/Industrial
16. What should those in the food/beverage service industry do during a Boil Water Advisory?
For businesses using water for cooking, drinking, and making soft drinks, coffee, tea etc., bottled
water or boiled water for cooking and cleaning any food products should be used. All ice made
should be discarded. Restaurants should serve bottled water.
Any food or beverage manufacturer that uses water for production should discard any food or
beverage product that comes in contact with or was produced during the advisory. They should
discontinue production until the advisory is lifted unless they have an alternate clean water
source. They should notify their local health department for instructions.
17. What should be done about beverages made with piped in water including post mix
carbonated beverages, auto-fill coffee makers, instant hot water dispenser, juice, tea, etc.?
Discontinue use of post-mix carbonated beverage machine, auto-fill coffee makers, instant hot
water heaters, etc. using auto-fill until Boil Water Advisory has been lifted. Remove and replace
any filters that may have been connected to water lines.
18. What should be done about ice during a Boil Water Advisory?
Discontinue routine methods of making ice until the advisory is lifted.
Use commercially manufactured ice from an unaffected water supply.
Discard existing ice made after the advisory and clean and sanitize ice bins.
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23. Can tap water be used by employees of a food facility for handwashing?
The best practice is to use only boiled, bottled or treated water for handwashing.
24. Can patrons use tap water in the restrooms during a boil water advisory?
Patrons may use tap water for handwashing provided that hand sanitizer is made
available at each sink. Extra caution should be taken when caring for the very young,
sick or elderly.
Post a notice advising patrons not to use tap water for drinking or for brushing teeth.
Miscellaneous
27. Is potentially contaminated water safe for household pets?
The same precautions that are taken to protect humans should be applied to household pets. If
the animals water needs to be changed use boiled or bottled water.
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