The City may issue a Boil Water Advisory, Boil Water Notice, Boil Water Warning, Boil Water Order, or Boil Order if there is a loss of water pressure due to a water main (pipe) break, loss of power, other unforeseen emergency, or a planned repair or replacement. Water pressure keeps pollutants from entering the underground pipes that bring drinking water to your house or business. When the pressure is lost, it is possible that contaminants could seep into the pipes.
The notice does not mean that the water is contaminated - it means it is possible for contaminants to enter the pipes and affect drinking water. Until the required bacteriological testing is completed, the City will recommend - as a precaution - boiling tap water before consuming it to kill any potential contaminants or using bottled water.
A Boil Water Order is a directive issued by the Health Department to the public water supplier, requiring the water utility to in turn distribute a boil water notice to its customers. A boil water order can be in the form of a letter, e-mail, or even verbal communication followed by written confirmation.
A Boil Water Notice is the public notification distributed by utilities informing the public of a need to boil water and providing other information that the public needs.
A Boil Water Advisory is essentially interchangeable with a boil water notice. Some people consider an advisory more precautionary than a boil water notice, but both a notice and an advisory can be written in precautionary terms and there is no real difference.
A boil water notice and boil water advisory serve the same purpose, to inform the public of the need to take precautions.
However, there are instances when a large-scale Boil Water Notice is issued. In these cases, where notices cannot be delivered directly to the the City of Clayton Utility water customers, the City will issue a Emergency notification through the CodeRED Emergency system, along with posts on the City’s Website and Facebook pages.
If this happens, do not panic. The chances of becoming ill are slim. See your doctor if you experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps.
Vigorous boiling for at least one full minute is the safest and most effective method of disinfection. Fill a pot with cold water and start timing when steady streams of bubbles pop from the bottom of the pot. Water must be adequately cooled before it can be used for washing or brushing teeth. Store the boiled water in clean, covered containers. Using bottled water is also an option.
How does Boiling Water make it Safe to Drink?
Boiling water purifies it because disease-causing bacteria, viruses or parasites will be destroyed by the heat.
Should I use Bottled Water?
Water from an alternative water source is the best option during a boil water advisory. When bottled water is available, it is a good alternative to boiling water.
Can I Wash my Hands in Tap Water during the Notice Period?
Use tap water and soap for hand washing and basic hygiene, but if you are washing your hands to prepare food, use bottle.
Boiling water purifies it because disease-causing bacteria, viruses or parasites will be destroyed by the heat.
Should I use Bottled Water?
Water from an alternative water source is the best option during a boil water advisory. When bottled water is available, it is a good alternative to boiling water.
Can I Wash my Hands in Tap Water during the Notice Period?
Use tap water and soap for hand washing and basic hygiene, but if you are washing your hands to prepare food, use bottle.
Water from an alternative water source is the best option during a boil water advisory. When bottled water is available, it is a good alternative to boiling water.
Can I Wash my Hands in Tap Water during the Notice Period?
Use tap water and soap for hand washing and basic hygiene, but if you are washing your hands to prepare food, use bottle.
Use tap water and soap for hand washing and basic hygiene, but if you are washing your hands to prepare food, use bottle.
Use bottled or boiled water to brush teeth.
Yes. Just be careful not to drink the water while you shower or bathe. Though the risk of illness is minimal, individuals who have recent surgical wounds, are immunosuppressed, or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled or boiled water for cleansing until the notice is lifted.
Hand-washing dishes: Wash with hot soapy water, then use boiled water to rinse.
Dishwasher: If the hot water reaches at least 170 degrees or the dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle and includes a full dry cycle, this will be sufficient.
Fruits, vegetables, and other foods should be washed with bottled or boiled water only.
No. Water intended for drinking must be boiled before using it to make beverages or use bottled water.
Ice already in the freezer when the water pressure drops and before the Precautionary Boil Water Notice is issued is safe. When the notice is issued, turn off your ice maker. When the notice is lifted, if no contamination has been found, then you do not need to flush your ice maker before using it.
Water filters in refrigerators and pitchers do not remove bacteria. For under-sink filters, read the manual. If in doubt, boil.
Many pets, such as dogs, are susceptible to the same diseases as humans. Provide them with bottled or boiled water.
Yes, but fruits and vegetables must be washed using boiled or bottled water before consumption.
No, the notice is issued only to those residences and businesses whose water has the chance of contamination.
After the water system is repaired, and the pressure is restored in the pipes to your home or business, the Precautionary Boil Water Notice will remain in effect while bacteriological tests are conducted to assure the safety of the water. The notice will be lifted (rescinded) only after the required testing proves the water is safe to drink.
