Boil Water Order Consumer Information
Drinking the Water
There are two simple and effective methods you can use to treat drinking water for microbiological contaminants (bacteria):
1. Boiling: Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute. Laboratory data show this is adequate to make the water safe for drinking.
or
2. Disinfecting: Disinfectant tablets obtained from a wilderness store or pharmacy may be used. In an emergency, liquid chlorine bleach such as Clorox or Purex can be used at a dose of 8 drops (or 1 teaspoon) of bleach to each gallon of water. (Careful measurement w;th a clean dropper or other accurate measurlng device is required when using liquid chlorine bleach.) Let stand for at least 30 minutes before use. Read the label to see that the bleach has 5-6% available chlorine.
Washing Dishes
It is best to use disposable tableware during the time the water needs disinfection. If that is not possible, the following steps should be taken:
1. Wash dishes normally but be sure to rinse them in a solution of 1 teaspoon of bleach. as mentioned above. in a gallon of warm water (submersion in a dishpan for a minimum of 5 minutes is advised). The dishes should be allowed to air dry. Gloves should be worn when handling bleach to minimize: any skin irritation.
2. Because of the many variables involved with dishes washed in a dishwasher. it is recommended that you use the additional rinse step, as described above. after washing.
Bathing: Young children should be given sponge baths rather than put in a bathtub where they might ingest the tap water. Adults or children should take care not to swallow water when showering.
Brushing your teeth: Only disinfected or boiled water should be used for brushing your teeth.
Ice: Ice cubes are not safe unless made with disinfected or boiled water. The freezing process does not kill the bacteria or other microorganisms.
Washing fruit and vegetables: Use only disinfected or boiled water to wash fruits or vegetables that are to be eaten raw.
Hand washing: Only boiled or disinfected water should be used for hand washing.
Cooking: Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute before adding food.
Infants: For infants use only prepared canned baby formula that is not condensed and does not required added water. Do not use powdered formulas prepared with contaminated water.
Houseplants and garden: Water can be used without treatment for watering household plants and garden plants. The exception would be things like strawberries or tomatoes where the water would contact the edible fiuit.
House pets: The same precautions that are taken to protect humans shouJd be applied to pets. Aquatic organisms (e.g. fish) should not be exposed to water organisms (e.g. fish) should not be exposed to wate containing elevated levels of bacteria. lf the organism's water needs to be refreshed use approprintely boiled or bottled water.
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