Public Health - Public Health

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During a boil water order, residential users of affected public water supplies should take the following measures to protect themselves from consuming potentially contaminated water:

1. Bottled water should be used for drinking, cooking, washing fresh fruit/vegetables, hand washing and tooth brushing.
2. The affected tap water should be used for these purposes only after it has been brought to a rolling boil for  3 -5 minutes.  DO NOT BOIL THE WATER FOR A LONGER TIME.  Excessive boiling may concentrate any chemical contaminants, raising their concentrations to harmful levels.
3. The affected tap water may be used for washing dishes if a dishwashing machine is used, provided the dishes are then immersed for at least one minute in a sink of water to which one full tablespoon of regular household bleach per gallon of water has been added.  If dishes are hand washed, boiled or bottled water should be used.
4. The affected tap water may be used for bathing and/or showering.
5. The affected tap water may be used for household cleaning.

NOTE:  If the tap water is cloudy and/or contains particles, bottled water should be used.

After the boil order has been lifted or water service resumes, these precautionary

1. Flush the building’s water lines and clean the faucet and clean the faucet screens.
2. Purge the water-using fixtures and appliances of standing water and ice, such as refrigerator icemakers or coffee makers.  Disposal of at least the first two batches is recommended before use.

For information for food establishments click here.