Local departments and state or local agencies issue drinking water advisories when they believe water quality is or may be compromised. Advisories tell individuals, schools, hospitals, businesses, and others about the situation and how to take immediate action.
Boil Water Advisories are issued when there is known contamination of the water supply or when there is a risk of contamination of the water supply.
The best treatment method is boiling. Boiling water kills harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites (freezing will not disinfect water).
For areas without power, disinfect tap water by adding 8 drops (about 1/8 teaspoon) of plain unscented household bleach to a gallon of water.
As long as the water container is protected with a cap or a cover, it is safe to drink. Replace stored water every 6 months.
The community will be notified when the water is safe to drink without boiling. It will be communicated through social media channels, local media (TV & Radio), institutions (schools, hospitals), restaurants, and community centers. Contact your local public works office with questions and inquiries.
No, the color of the water should not affect its safety if it has been boiled for at least one minute.
No. These filters are not designed to remove contamination from an unsafe water supply. If you have run the water through your filter during the Boil Water Advisory, the filter could be contaminated. It is recommended that you discard the filter and replace it with a new one once the Boil Water Advisory is over.
The boil water advisory is a precautionary measure. Even if someone has consumed potentially contaminated water before they were aware of the Boil Water Advisory, the likelihood of becoming ill is low. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, with or without fever, should contact their healthcare provider. Symptoms associated with waterborne illness are also associated with foodborne illness, or even the common cold.
Mothers who are breastfeeding can continue to breastfeed their babies. Wash and sterilize all baby bottles and nipples before each use. If this is not possible, then single-serve, ready to feed bottles of formula must be used with a sterilized nipple. Always boil water before mixing concentrated liquid or powdered formula.
Boiling water kills harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites (freezing will not disinfect water). Bring water to a full rolling boil for at least 1 minute to kill most infectious organisms (germs).
For areas without power, disinfect tap water by adding 8 drops (about 1/8 teaspoon) of plain unscented household bleach to a gallon of water.
Do not use if they are directly connected to your water supply. Use bottled, boiled, or disinfected water for making coffee and ice. Also, filters do not work for removing bacteria. Once you are notified that the boil water advisory is cancelled, clean, disinfect, and flush these devices according to the operator's manual.
Wash fruits and vegetables with boiled (then cooled water), bottled, or disinfected water. Use boiled water to wash surfaces where food is prepared. Make ice with boiled, bottled, or disinfected water.
Throw away uncooked food, beverages or ice cubes if made or prepared using tap water during the day of the advisory.
Vigorous handwashing with soap and tap water is safe for basic personal hygiene.
If you are washing your hands to prepare food, you should either:
No. Do not use tap water to brush your teeth. Use bottled, boiled, or disinfected water as you would for drinking.
The water can be used for showering, baths, and shaving, but do not swallow water or allow it to get in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Supervise children and disabled individuals during their bath to make sure water is not swallowed. Minimize bathing time.
Though the risk of illness is minimal, individuals who have recent surgical wounds, have compromised immune systems, or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled or boiled water for cleansing until the advisory is lifted. Anyone with questions or concerns should contact their healthcare provider.
Yes, it is recommended that you wash by hand and use a bleach solution (1 teaspoon bleach per gallon of water. Bleach solution should say it contains 8.25% of sodium hypochlorite). Soak the rinsed dishes in the sanitizer solution for at least 1 minute. Allow dishes to completely air dry.
You can run the dishwasher through the hottest or 'sanitize' cycle. Follow the sanitizing step, in a clean basin, make a bleach solution (1 teaspoon bleach per gallon of water. Bleach solution should say it contains 8.25% of sodium hypochlorite). Remove the dishes from the dishwasher and soak in the sanitizer solution for at least 1 minute. Let the dishes air dry completely before using again.
For clothes, use a hot water rinse cycle and heat-dried on the highest heat setting for 30 minutes to wash.
The same precautions that are taken to protect humans apply to household pets. Fish and other animals living in water should not be exposed to potentially contaminated water. If the animal’s water needs to be changed, use cooled boiled or bottled water.
Illnesses from contaminated water occur principally by ingesting water. The major organisms that produce illnesses are protozoa such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, bacteria such a Shigella, E. coli, and viruses. These organisms primarily affect the gastrointestinal system, causing diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting with or without fever. Most of these illnesses are not usually serious or life threatening except in the elderly, the very young or those with compromised immune systems.
Oakland Connects Helpline (formerly Nurse on Call)
1-800-848-5533
Environmental Health
248-858-1312