A “boil water order” is a public health advisory issued when a community’s drinking water system is compromised or potentially contaminated. This urgent precaution signals that tap water may contain pathogenic microorganisms capable of causing gastrointestinal illness. Boiling is the most reliable method for disinfecting water, ensuring it is safe for consumption and domestic use until the advisory is lifted.
Understanding the Need for Boiling
Boiling water is effective because high temperatures are lethal to waterborne microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. The heat denatures the proteins and disrupts the cellular structures of these microbes, which can cause diseases like giardiasis or cryptosporidiosis. Boil orders are often triggered by sudden losses of water pressure, such as those caused by water main breaks or power outages. When pressure drops, contaminants can be drawn into the clean water system. Flooding or failures in the water treatment or disinfection process also necessitate a boil order.
Step-by-Step Guide to Boiling Water
If the water appears cloudy or murky, first strain it through a clean cloth or coffee filter to remove sediment. Starting with clear water ensures the disinfection process works efficiently. Place the water in a clean pot and heat it until it reaches a full, rapid rolling boil, where large bubbles continuously rise to the surface. For locations at or near sea level, maintain the rolling boil for a minimum of one full minute. If you live above 6,500 feet (approximately 2,000 meters), extend the boiling time to three minutes, as water boils at a lower temperature at higher altitudes. Once the time has passed, turn off the heat and allow the water to cool naturally before use.
Safe Handling of Treated Water
After boiling, allow the water to cool completely. Transfer the treated water into clean, sanitized containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent re-contamination. To improve the flat flavor that can result from boiling, aerate the cooled water by pouring it back and forth between two clean containers. This treated water is safe for all consumption purposes, including drinking, making ice cubes, preparing baby formula, washing fruits and vegetables, and brushing teeth. For hand-washing dishes, wash and rinse them with hot water, then soak them for at least one minute in a sanitizing solution made with unscented household bleach before allowing them to air dry.
Alternative Water Disinfection Methods
When boiling is not possible, chemical disinfection is a viable backup, especially during power outages. This method uses unscented, regular household liquid bleach containing 6% to 8.25% sodium hypochlorite. Never use scented, color-safe, or splash-less bleaches. For clear water, the standard dosage is eight drops of 6% bleach or six drops of 8.25% bleach per one gallon of water. Mix thoroughly and allow the water to stand for at least 30 minutes before consumption. Certified portable water filters that specifically remove or inactivate viruses, bacteria, and protozoa are also an alternative, as most standard home filtration systems are not designed to eliminate these pathogens.