An alert goes out to residents in which a boil order is in effect for their area.  Many residents scramble to understand what a boil order means.   A boil order takes effect when a water supplier has tested the water and has shown any presence of organisms that can result in an illness.  It can also mean technical and/or physical problems within the water system that can affect the water with bacterial contamination.  A boil order means explicitly bacteria containing fecal and E. Coli bacteria.

It is recommended to use bottled water or bring a pot of water to a rolling boil for 3-5 minutes before using it.  Residents are asked not to use the water for drinking, cleaning fruits and vegetables, or brushing their teeth.  When a boil order is in effect, it is highly recommended not to use the tap water for any water consumption except bathing so long as the water is not consumed.  If a person does drink water during a boil order, a person can experience cramps, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, and fatigue, to name a few.  If you are concerned about your health, it is suggested to contact your local health provider.

What if my water supply comes from a private well?  Will I need to boil my water?  Typically, boil orders are related to municipalities that supply water to a community.  If you are ever concerned about your water on a private well, you should have your water tested at a state-certified laboratory.

A boil order can last several days to several weeks.  It is impossible to know how long a boil order will last based on the situation with the water supplier.  A boil order depends on when safe levels of bacterial contamination are no longer present in the water through testing.  Your local municipality will notify you when a boil order has been canceled, and the water is safe to consume.

If you ever have questions or concerns about a boil order, contact us or give us a call.  We’re happy to help.