How to Use Water Safely During a Boil Water Advisory
What is the reason for a boil water advisory?
The boil water advisory is a precautionary advisory resulting from unacceptable levels of turbidity (cloudiness) in the water at its originating source. High turbidity can interfere with the disinfection of drinking waster, be a source of microbes and provide a medium for bacterial growth.
I drank some water before the advisory. Am I going to get sick?
Not likely. There has been no evidence of illness linked to the water system. Public Health will monitor for any signs of community illness. If you are concerned about your health, you should contact your family physician.
How do I use water when the boil water advisory has been issued?
The water should NOT be used for drinking, making infant formula and juices, cooking, making ice, washing fruits, vegetables or brushing teeth. For these purposes, boiled water or bottled water should be used.
What is the accepted method for boiling water?
Bring water in pot to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute. If you are using an electric kettle, make sure the cord is not bare or frayed and choose a kettle with an automatic shut-off feature. If there are children in the home, place the pot on the back burner to avoid scalds The flat taste of boiled water can be improved by pouring it back and fourth from one container to another and/or allowing it to stand for a few hours. Boil as much water in a pot as you can comfortably lift without spilling. Caution should always be exercised when handling boiling water to minimize the risk of burns.
Can I take a bath?
Adults and teens may shower with untreated water as long as no water is swallowed. Older children could also be given a shower with a hand held showerhead, avoiding the face. Younger children should be sponge-bathed instead of bathing in a tub because they are likely to swallow tub water.
Can I use the water for hand washing?
The boil water advisory has been issued as a precaution and there is no outbreak of human illness. There is no need for additional hand disinfection.
How else can I disinfect my hands?
You can use alcohol-based hand disinfectants, containing more than 60% alcohol. These products are widely used in the health care setting after washing hands or in situations when water is not available. The pre-moistened towlettes used for cleaning babies at a diaper change are not effective for disinfecting hands and should not be used for this purpose.
I have a dishwasher. Is it safe to use?
Yes, you can continue to use it. If your dishwasher has a hot setting (65o c or higher), it safely disinfects dishes. If your dishwasher does not have a hot setting, after finishing the cycle, soak dishes for 1 minute in a solution of 1oz (30 ml) of bleach mixed with 3 gallons of lukewarm water (13.5 litres). Let dishes air dry.
I wash dishes by hand. How do I disinfect them?
You could use boiled water for washing dishes. Dishes washed in soap and hot water can also be rinsed in boiled water or disinfected with the following bleach solution. Mix 1 ounce (about 30 ml) bleach in to three gallons (13.5 litres) of water at room temperature for at least one minute. Let dishes air dry.
Should I change the way I am doing laundry?
No, continue doing laundry the way you usually do. If you have to launder sheets heavily soiled with feces, carefully remove any soil before you place the sheets into the washer, without much agitation of the cloth. Use rubber gloves when handling heavily soiled sheets.
I have a water treatment system in my house. Does this make the water safe for drinking or cooking?
No. Not all water systems are certified to remove bacteria, viruses and protozoa. Some are designed for chemical removal while others are designed for aesthetic improvements. If the manufacturer can not assure safety, it is recommended that the water be brought to a rolling boil for one minute before drinking or using it for cooking.
My doctor told me I am immunocompromised. What should I do?
Always follow your physician’s and dietician’s advice. You might be advised to use bottled water or to boil water for drinking and cooking, even in the absence of a boil water advisory. Drink only bottled water that has been processed in a manner that will remove parasitic cysts i.e. distillation, reverse osmosis or filtered using an “absolute” 1um filter or filter labeled as meeting NSF standard no. 53 for “cyst removal”.
What should I do after the boil water advisory is lifted?
- Run cold water faucets for one minute before using the water
- Run drinking fountains for one minute before using the water
- Flush all garden hoses by running cold water through them for one minute
- Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle
How will I know when the boil water advisory is lifted?
Once it has been determined that the water is safe to drink, the Medical Officer of Health will issue a statement through the media and the information will be posted in the News and Events page.
Can I speak to a person in Public Health if I have health related questions about the boil water advisory?
Yes, you can call Vancouver Coastal Health at (604) 675-3800
