A boil order is a public health directive issued when drinking water is, or could be, contaminated. It advises boiling tap water before consumption to eliminate harmful microorganisms. These orders are typically issued as a precaution after events like water main breaks, pressure loss, or confirmed contamination. A common question during these advisories concerns the safety of routine household activities, particularly laundry.
Laundry During a Boil Order
It is generally safe to do laundry during a boil order. The main concern with contaminated water is ingestion, which is not a direct risk during the laundry process. The washing cycle, with detergents and mechanical action, helps remove potential contaminants. The temperatures reached during typical washing and drying cycles also contribute to disinfection; warm or hot water in washing machines and the high heat of a clothes dryer are usually sufficient to kill most common bacteria and viruses. The risk of exposure through skin contact or residue on clothing after a full wash and dry cycle is minimal.
Your Washing Machine and Boil Orders
While laundry is generally acceptable, consider your washing machine. Contaminated water is unlikely to damage the appliance. However, visible sediment might leave residue inside the machine or on clothing, though this is less common. Once the boil order is lifted, consider running an empty cleaning cycle with an appropriate cleaning agent, such as bleach if safe for your machine. This helps flush lingering impurities and provides a thorough cleaning once water quality is restored.
Other Water Uses During a Boil Order
Beyond laundry, a boil order significantly impacts other daily water uses, primarily those involving ingestion. For drinking, cooking, and preparing food, it is necessary to use bottled water or tap water that has been brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute and then cooled. This also applies to making ice cubes, washing fruits and vegetables, and preparing baby formula.
When it comes to personal hygiene, care must be taken. Adults and older children can typically shower or bathe, but they should be careful not to swallow any water or allow it into their eyes, nose, or mouth.
For young children and infants, sponge baths are often recommended to reduce the chance of accidental ingestion. For brushing teeth, only bottled water or previously boiled and cooled water should be used.
Dishwashing also requires modifications. If you have a dishwasher with a sanitizing cycle that reaches at least 150°F (66°C), it is generally safe to use. For handwashing dishes, use hot water for washing and rinsing, then sanitize them by soaking in a solution of unscented household bleach (one teaspoon per gallon of warm water) for at least one minute before allowing them to air dry completely.
What to Do After a Boil Order
Once the boil order has been officially lifted, several steps should be taken to ensure your home’s water system is fully cleared and safe.
It is advisable to flush household pipes by running all cold water faucets for at least five minutes. For hot water faucets, running them for 15 minutes for a standard 40-gallon hot water tank, or 30 minutes for larger tanks, helps clear the hot water lines.
It is also recommended to clean and sanitize water-using appliances. This includes emptying and discarding ice made during the advisory and running the ice maker through a 24-hour cycle to flush the lines.
Running an empty cycle on your dishwasher after flushing the hot water lines is also advised. Consider replacing water filters in refrigerators and other filtration devices, as they may have captured contaminants.