A boil water order is a public health advisory issued when a community’s drinking water is or could be contaminated by harmful microorganisms. This advisory signals that tap water may contain pathogens that can cause illness. These orders are typically issued as a precaution due to events like a significant loss of water pressure or a main break, which can compromise the integrity of the water distribution system. Until the water supply is confirmed safe, residents are advised to boil tap water before using it for drinking, food preparation, or even brushing teeth. Special precautions are also necessary for washing dishes to prevent potential health risks.
Understanding Water Contamination and Dishwashing Safety
Washing dishes with untreated tap water during a boil order carries inherent risks because the water may harbor various harmful microorganisms. These can include bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, as well as protozoa such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, all capable of causing gastrointestinal illnesses with symptoms like nausea, cramps, and diarrhea. While dish soap effectively cleans by lifting grease and food residues from surfaces, it does not reliably kill these microscopic pathogens. Relying solely on soap and water from a compromised supply will not sanitize dishes, potentially leaving infectious agents on surfaces. This underlying risk necessitates additional measures to ensure dishes are safe for use.
Safe Manual Dishwashing Practices
Safely washing dishes by hand during a boil order requires careful attention to water treatment and sanitization.
To manually wash dishes:
- Scrape off any excess food particles from dishes.
- Wash dishes as usual using hot, soapy water to remove visible dirt and grease.
- After washing, rinse the dishes thoroughly with water that has been made safe, either by boiling or chemical disinfection. To boil water for this purpose, bring it to a rolling boil for at least one minute; at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for three minutes.
- After washing and rinsing, dishes must be sanitized to eliminate any remaining pathogens. Prepare a sanitizing solution using unscented household liquid bleach: Mix one teaspoon of bleach with one gallon of warm, safe water. Submerge the rinsed dishes in this solution for at least one minute, ensuring all surfaces are exposed.
- Remove the dishes and allow them to air dry completely on a clean rack or surface before storage or use.
Using disposable plates, cups, and utensils can also be a convenient alternative during a boil water advisory.
Using a Dishwasher During a Boil Order
Using a dishwasher during a boil water order can be safe, provided the appliance has a specific sanitizing cycle or can reach a high enough final rinse temperature.
Many modern dishwashers include a sanitize setting, which is designed to heat the water to at least 150°F (66°C) during the final rinse. This elevated temperature effectively kills bacteria and other pathogens. If your dishwasher has this feature, using it can provide a reliable method for sanitizing dishes.
It is important to consult your dishwasher’s manual to confirm if it has a sanitizing cycle and what temperature it achieves, as not all standard dishwashers reach the necessary heat for proper sanitization. If your appliance lacks a sanitize cycle or does not consistently reach at least 150°F, it may not adequately eliminate all harmful microorganisms during a boil order. If uncertain about your dishwasher’s capabilities, it is safer to handwash dishes using the methods involving boiled or disinfected water.