Boil Water Advisory Information
Current List of Jurisdictions under a Boil Water Advisory:
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No Advisories are in effect at this time.
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Village of Sabina order was lifted at 11:26 am on Thursday, 19 September 2024.
*Unless testing indicates advisory can be cancelled sooner.
In the event of a Boil Water Advisory for your area, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to ensure your water is safe for consumption and household use. These advisories are issued as a precautionary measure to protect the public from potentially contaminated water. Please review the following guidelines to ensure you and your family are prepared.
What to Do During a Boil Water Advisory
1. Boil Your Water
Before using tap water for drinking, cooking, or cleaning, it must be purified by boiling:
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Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute.
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After boiling, allow the water to cool before using.
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Use boiled or bottled water for:
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Drinking
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Making ice
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Brushing teeth
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Washing dishes
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Food preparation
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Boiling water effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and other harmful organisms that may be present.
2. Flushing Internal Plumbing
After a Boil Water Advisory is issued, it's important to flush your internal plumbing system:
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Run cold water taps in your home for at least 5 minutes to flush out any potentially contaminated water.
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This step is essential to ensure that clean, boiled, or bottled water is used for daily tasks.
Additional Precautions During a Boil Water Advisory
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Discard Ice
Any ice made during the Boil Water Advisory should be discarded, as freezing does not kill bacteria. Ice machines in refrigerators should be turned off, and new ice should only be made once the advisory is lifted. -
Bathing and Showering
Adults and teens can bathe or shower using tap water. However, take care not to ingest the water. Extra caution should be taken with infants, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems, who may prefer sponge baths using boiled or bottled water. -
Laundry
It is safe to wash clothes as usual using tap water, as it does not pose a risk when used for laundry. -
Dishwashing
You may use your dishwasher during a Boil Water Advisory only if it has a high-temperature or sanitizing cycle. Otherwise, dishes should be washed by hand using boiled or bottled water.
What to Do After a Boil Water Advisory is Lifted
Once the Boil Water Advisory is lifted and authorities confirm that the water supply is safe, you should take the following steps to ensure your home is fully prepared for regular use:
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Flush Household Pipes: Run cold water taps throughout your home for several minutes to flush out any stagnant water that may still be in your pipes.
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Ice Makers: Turn on your ice maker and allow it to run, discarding the first batch of ice made after the advisory is lifted.
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Water Heaters and Softeners: Flush your hot water heater and water softener systems to ensure they are free of any potentially contaminated water.
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Change Filters: Replace water filters in your refrigerator, faucet, or pitcher, as these may have been exposed to contaminated water during the advisory.
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Garden Hoses: Run water through any garden hoses for a few minutes before using them again.
By following these steps, you can ensure the safety of your drinking water and protect your household from any potential health risks during and after a Boil Water Advisory. Stay informed through local alerts and updates, and always follow guidance from health officials to keep your family safe.