A boil water advisory is a public health warning issued when drinking water is or may be contaminated with harmful microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, or parasites). Advisories are typically issued following events like a water main break or loss of system pressure, which allows pathogens to enter the distribution system. For healthy adults, showering is generally considered safe, provided care is taken to prevent swallowing any water. The primary risk during an advisory is the ingestion of contaminated water, not contact with the skin.
Is Showering Safe During a Boil Order?
Showering is generally considered safe for healthy adults because the main route of exposure to the contaminants is through the digestive system. The skin functions as a highly effective barrier against common waterborne pathogens like E. coli or Giardia, preventing them from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, the contact of water on the skin during a shower does not pose a significant threat of infection.
To maintain safety, a few precautions should be followed during the shower process. Adults should minimize the duration of the shower and keep their mouth closed to avoid accidentally swallowing water. It is also helpful to reduce the force of the spray and the amount of steam. This reduces aerosolized water droplets that could be inhaled or splashed near the face, increasing the chance of accidental ingestion. For routine face washing, use bottled water or water that has been previously boiled and cooled.
Increased Risk: Bathing and Vulnerable Populations
While showering is manageable, using contaminated water for a bath introduces a much higher risk of accidental ingestion. Submerging the body in a tub makes it significantly harder to prevent water from entering the mouth, nose, or eyes. This is particularly true for infants, toddlers, and young children, who are more likely to splash, put wet hands or toys in their mouths, or swallow the water during play.
Health authorities recommend avoiding baths for infants, toddlers, and young children during an advisory. Instead, use a sponge bath with safe water, such as bottled water or tap water that has been boiled for a minute and cooled. Extra caution is warranted for individuals with compromised immune systems or those with fresh surgical incisions or open wounds. These vulnerable populations should also use boiled or bottled water for cleansing to prevent pathogens from entering the body through damaged skin.
Managing Other Household Water Activities
Beyond personal hygiene, other household water uses must be adjusted during an advisory. For example, brushing teeth requires the use of bottled water or tap water that has been boiled and cooled. Rinsing the toothbrush or the mouth with untreated water introduces the risk of swallowing contaminants.
When washing dishes, the high heat of a dishwasher’s sanitizing cycle is sufficient to neutralize most contaminants. If washing dishes by hand, they must first be washed and rinsed with tap water. Then, soak them for at least a minute in a sanitizing solution, typically prepared by mixing one teaspoon of unscented household bleach with one gallon of water. Doing laundry is safe to do as usual, since there is no risk of consumption.