What are the
reasons for a Boil Water Advisory?
There are different reasons for
issuing a boil water advisory. A boil water advisory can be based on
bacteriological (microbial) examination, including the finding of bacteria
or parasites. A boil water advisory can be based on information indicating
that the water is not safe to drink, for example, the lack or absence of
disinfection residual in the drinking water. (Disinfection is a cleaning
process that destroys most disease-causing micro-organisms.) A boil water
advisory can follow the occurrence of an outbreak of illness in the
community that has been linked to consumption of the water. Always follow
the Health Unit's recommendations on water use.
How should I use water when a 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. The water should be brought to a rapid rolling
boil and boiled for 1 minute. If there are children in the home, place the
pot on the back burner to avoid scalds. Boil only as much water in a pot as
you can comfortably lift without spilling. Throw out all ice and disinfect
the ice cube trays. Make ice using boiled, cooled water.
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.
What about handwashing?
The water can be used for
handwashing if 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 with bleach solution or alcohol using the measures described
below.
If the boil water advisory has been
issued because of an outbreak, water can be used for handwashing after the
following emergency water treatment: Place 1.5 oz (about 45 ml) liquid
household bleach in 10 gallons (45 litres) water. Mix and let stand for at
least 10 minutes prior to use.
What are other ways of disinfecting
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. Please refer to information on "Hand
Hygiene". The wet wipes used for cleaning babies at diaper change are
not effective for disinfecting hands and should not be used for this
purpose.
Can we use our dishwasher?
If the dishwasher has a hot setting,
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 1 gallon of lukewarm water (4.5 litres). Let dishes
air dry.
How should hand washing of dishes be
done?
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 oz.
(about 30 ml) bleach in to 1 gallon (4.5 litres) of water at room
temperature for at least 1 minute. Let dishes air dry.
What procedure should be used for
disinfecting countertops, chopping boards or utensils which have come into
contact with raw meat?
Countertops, chopping boards or
utensils which have come into contact with raw meat should be washed with
soap and hot water first, then disinfected with a bleach solution stronger
than that used for emergency hand disinfection. Mix ¼ cup (about 60 ml)
bleach into 1 gallon (4.5 litres) water for this purpose. Do not reuse or
store this solution, but make it fresh daily.
What about doing laundry?
Continue doing laundry the way you
usually do. If you have to launder sheets heavily soiled with faeces,
carefully remove soil before you place the sheets into the washer, without
much agitation of the cloth. Use rubber gloves when handling heavily soiled
sheets.
Can tap water be used in wading
pools?
The water is not safe to use in
wading pools. Water usually gets into the mouths of small children,
providing a possibility for infection.
Does filtered water need to be
boiled?
Filtrated water does not make the
water safe for drinking or cooking. Filtered water should also be brought to
a rolling boil for 1 minute before drinking or using it for cooking.
Are there special recommendations
for immuno-compromised persons?
Immuno-compromised persons should
always follow their physician's and dietitian's advice. You might be advised
to use bottled water or to boil water for drinking/cooking, even in the
absence of a boil water advisory.
How is the decision made to lift a
boil water advisory?
The Ontario Drinking Water
Objectives (ODWO) state that the Medical Officer of Health should continue
the boil water advisory until two consecutive sets of samples taken from all
parts of the water system that has been affected show the water is safe for
drinking. The ODWO address issues that can affect health, such as the
presence of E. coli. The Medical Officer of Health may choose not to
lift the boil water advisory even if two acceptable samples are obtained.
Is there a procedure to follow after
the boil water advisory is lifted?
Yes. Run cold water faucets for 1
minute before using the water. Run drinking fountains for 1 minute before
using the water. Flush all garden hoses by running cold water through them
for 1 minute. Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle. All in-line
or stand alone water filters must be replaced.
