Boil Water Advisory: What it Means and What to Do

Know What To Do With Your Water

A boil water advisory can often come unexpectedly, leaving many unsure of the implications and necessary actions to ensure safety. Issued by local health or environmental authorities, this advisory is a precautionary measure indicating that drinking water might be contaminated and unsafe to consume without proper treatment. In this blog, we’ll delve into what a boil water advisory means and the essential steps you should take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

What Triggers a Boil Water Advisory?

A boil water advisory is typically issued under circumstances that pose a risk to the water’s safety. These can include:

• Contamination: Following a natural disaster, like a flood, which may introduce bacteria, viruses, or parasites into the water supply.
• Treatment failures: Issues at water treatment facilities that compromise the purification process.
• Pipe damage: Breaks or leaks in the distribution system that allow contaminants to enter the water supply.

Essential Steps to Follow During an Advisory

1. Boil Water for Consumption

The most crucial action is to boil water before using it for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes. Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one minute to kill most types of pathogens. Let it cool before use.

2. Use Bottled Water as an Alternative

If boiling water isn’t feasible, opt for bottled water for all consumption needs. It’s a safe and convenient alternative.

3. Water Filters

Not all water filters are effective against all types of contaminants. Check if your filter is certified to remove bacteria and viruses, and use it as instructed. During an advisory, boiling is still the safest option.

4. Stay Informed

Follow updates from your local health authorities about the advisory’s status. They will notify you when the water is safe to consume again without boiling.

Post-Advisory Actions

Once the advisory is lifted, follow local guidelines for flushing your plumbing system to clear potentially contaminated water from your pipes. This might include running faucets, changing water filters, and cleaning appliances that use water.

Safety First

At Plumbing Masters in Phoenix, we understand the importance of ensuring your water is safe during a boil water advisory. Our team is ready to assist with any plumbing concerns, from installing water filtration systems to advising on safe water practices. Remember, during a boil water advisory, taking the proper precautions can significantly reduce health risks.

For professional plumbing assistance or inquiries about water safety measures, contact Plumbing Masters today. Your health and safety are our top priorities.