Boil-Water Advisory Issued – What Do You Do?

Posted: April 11, 2019 to Drinking Water

A boil water advisory is exactly what it sounds like: it’s a public notification advising people in your area to boil tap water before consumption.

Advisories come into play when an event occurs that could affect water quality.

If there is a boil water advisory issued in your area, there are several things you need to do.

1. Get Serious About Boiling

Don’t make the mistake of assuming you don’t have to boil tap water before using it. If you do, you’re putting your health at risk.

Bring the water to a rolling boil, let it boil for a period of one to two minutes, and then turn the heat off. Once the water is cool, you can then use it as intended.

2. Don’t Rely on a Water Filter

Even if you have a water filter in place, it’s still critical to boil tap water before using it.

Also, if you have any ice cubes made from tap water, dispose of them immediately. If you need ice, you can make it with boiled or bottled water.

3. How to Take a Shower

It’s safe to take a shower during a boil water advisory, but make sure you don’t swallow any water.

If you need to bathe a child during an advisory, it’s best to give them a sponge bath. This lessens the likelihood of them swallowing any water.

4. Be Careful When Cooking

When preparing food, wash ingredients with boiled or bottled water. Even if the food will be put on the stove or in the oven, it doesn’t mean you can use tap water.

In regards to washing your dishes, you can use your dishwasher as long as it reaches a rinse temperature of 150 degrees or higher. Alternatively, you can use a sanitizing cycle.

5. Protect Your Pets

The best thing you can do is follow the same guidelines for your pets as yourself.

So, don’t give your dog or cat tap water. Instead, rely on boiled or bottled water until the advisory is lifted.

There is no denying the fact that a boil water advisory is inconvenient, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

About Aqua Care

We service more than 800 water systems throughout Lee and Collier County on a regular basis.

The various types of systems we install and service range from the standard aerator water system to the more modern twin tank water systems designed to remove offensive odors and soften the water.

We also maintain point of entry, or the whole house, reverse osmosis systems.

Contact us today: (239) 939-3656