How can I use tap water during a boil water advisory?
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With Richmond businesses and homes remaining under a boil water advisory after a malfunction at the city's water reservoir system, many may wonder what tap water can and cannot be used for, and how to make sure it's boiled safely. Due to the water pressure dropping as a result of the malfunction, which was caused by a power outage, city residents were urged to either boil tap water or instead use bottled water. To effectively kill microorganisms like bacteria, viruses or protozoans that can cause disease, the Virginia Department of Health said residents should bring tap water to a full rolling boil, let it boil for one minute and let it cool before using. Water filters are not a substitute for boiling water, according to the department, as these devices can only improve the taste, odor or chemical quality of the water, but will not remove microorganisms from it. While the advisory is in effect, residents should follow the below guidelines provided by the city: Water Use Guidelines Do not drink tap water. This includes water and ice dispensed from your refrigerator. Do not use tap water to make baby formula, drinks, juices or fountain drinks. Do not drink from water fountains placed anywhere that receives city water (parks, public or private buildings on that grid, et cetera). Do not use ice made from water poured today. Discard those ice cubes and sanitize your ice machine and trays. Do not wash your dishes using tap water. Use boiled water for cleaning or eat on paper plates. Do not wash your fruits or vegetables with tap water. Use boiled or bottled water. Do not brush your teeth with tap water. Use boiled or bottled water. Do not cook with tap water unless your food will be boiled vigorously for at least three minutes. Do not give tap water to animals or pets unless it has first been boiled and has cooled down. Water Conservation Guidelines Do not take showers or take shorter ones. Avoid unnecessary toilet flushing. Avoid washing clothes for as long as you can. Avoid washing your dishes. Check all of your faucets, showerheads and under cabinets for drips. For more information on boil water advisories, visit the Virginia Department of Health’s website.
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With Richmond businesses and homes remaining under a boil water advisory after a malfunction at the city's water reservoir system, many may wonder what tap water can and cannot be used for, and how to make sure it's boiled safely.
Due to the water pressure dropping as a result of the malfunction, which was caused by a power outage, city residents were urged to either boil tap water or instead use bottled water.
To effectively kill microorganisms like bacteria, viruses or protozoans that can cause disease, the Virginia Department of Health said residents should bring tap water to a full rolling boil, let it boil for one minute and let it cool before using.
Water filters are not a substitute for boiling water, according to the department, as these devices can only improve the taste, odor or chemical quality of the water, but will not remove microorganisms from it.
While the advisory is in effect, residents should follow the below guidelines provided by the city:
- Water Use Guidelines
- Do not drink tap water. This includes water and ice dispensed from your refrigerator.
- Do not use tap water to make baby formula, drinks, juices or fountain drinks.
- Do not drink from water fountains placed anywhere that receives city water (parks, public or private buildings on that grid, et cetera).
- Do not use ice made from water poured today. Discard those ice cubes and sanitize your ice machine and trays.
- Do not wash your dishes using tap water. Use boiled water for cleaning or eat on paper plates.
- Do not wash your fruits or vegetables with tap water. Use boiled or bottled water.
- Do not brush your teeth with tap water. Use boiled or bottled water.
- Do not cook with tap water unless your food will be boiled vigorously for at least three minutes.
- Do not give tap water to animals or pets unless it has first been boiled and has cooled down.
- Water Conservation Guidelines
- Do not take showers or take shorter ones.
- Avoid unnecessary toilet flushing.
- Avoid washing clothes for as long as you can.
- Avoid washing your dishes.
- Check all of your faucets, showerheads and under cabinets for drips.
For more information on boil water advisories, visit the Virginia Department of Health’s website.
