Boil water advisories are issued when a water source is shut off, or when a water source pressure level drops below 20 psi. With this loss of pressure,
there is a greater possibility for water to become contaminated with harmful bacteria.
The results of the water sample tests. When water service is restored, a Lab Analyst comes to the site to take water samples from several points in the affected service area.
The samples are allowed to incubate up to 24 hours; no less than 18 hours. If the water is contaminated, bacteria will have grown.
Vigorously (with bubbles) for at least one minute.
Boiling the water kills harmful bacteria if water is contaminated.
Yes. Water filters are not designed to remove harmful bacteria.
Dishes: Water is safe for washing dishes, but hot soapy water should be used with one tablespoon of bleach per gallon as a precaution. Dishes should be rinsed in boiled water.
Laundry: There are no restrictions on doing laundry.
Baths: Water is safe for bathing.
If you consume water that is proven to be contaminated and you are in good health, you should not become ill. However, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems may become ill.
Symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. If you feel that your health has been compromised, you should seek medical attention.
A. Household Bleach. Bleach will kill some, but not all, types of disease-causing organisms that may be in water. If the water is cloudy, filter it through a clean cloth to allow it
to settle, and draw off the clear water for disinfection. Add 1/8th teaspoon (or 8 drops) of regular, unscented liquid household bleach for each gallon of water. Stir it well, and
let it stand for 30 minutes before you use it. Store in clean containers with covers.
Available Chloride
1%
4-6%
7-10%
Drops Per Quart
10
2
1
Drops Per Gallon
40
8
4
Drops Per Liter
10
2
1
B. Granular Calcium Hypochlorite. Add and dissolve ¼ ounce per two gallons of water. The mixture will produce a stock chlorine solution of approximate 500 milligrams per liter. To disinfect water, add 1 pint (16 ounces) of solution to each 12.5 gallons of water to be disinfected. To remove odor, aerate the disinfected water by pouring it back and forth from one clean container to another.
C. Chlorine Tablet. Chlorine tablets containing the necessary dosage for drinking water disinfection can be purchased in a commercially prepared form. These tablets are available from drug and sporting goods stores, and should be used per instructions outlined on the package. When instruction are not available, use one tablet per each quarter or liter of water to be purified.
D. Iodine. You can use common iodine (2% U. S. Iodine) from your medicine cabinet or first aid kit to disinfect contaminated water. Use five drops of iodine per each quart or liter of water. Note: for cloudy water, add 10 drops of iodine per quart or liter of water, and let the solution stand for at least 30 minutes.
E. Iodine Tablets. You can used iodine tablets to disinfect filtered and settled water. Purchase commercially prepared iodine tablets containing the necessary dosage for drinking water disinfection at drug and sporting goods stores. Use as stated in instructions. If instructions are not available, use one tablet for each quart or liter of filtered or settled water.
No. An advisory means that due to loss of water pressure, there is a possibility that water could be contaminated; therefore, we operate under the precaution that contamination
is present until the results of the water sample tests are received.
Wait for the water to cool before using it, or store in the refrigerator in a clean container to cool.
Brushing teeth
Cooking
Preparing drinks
Washing raw foods or foods in general
Making ice
Water for pets
In whatever form, if you can consume the water, it must be boiled.
