Is it safe to shower under a boil water advisory? Answers to your boil water notice questions
Rochester area residents have questions regarding the safe use of the water in Rochester after a boil water notice was issued when a dead body was found in the Highland Park Reservoir Tuesday morning. The boil water notice remains in effect on Wednesday and is expected to last at least 24 hours, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans said Tuesday afternoon. The New York State Department of Health offered answers to 7 of the more pressing questions:
Is it safe to shower under a boil water advisory?
Yes, your water may be used for showering, bathing, shaving and washing as long as is not swallowed or gets in the eyes, nose or mouth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises to consider giving young children a sponge bath when bathing during a boil water advisory, to reduce the chance of the child swallowing potentially contaminated water.
What happens if you accidentally drink water during a boil water advisory?
The likelihood of becoming ill is low. However, illness is certainly possible, especially for people that have a chronic illness or may be immunocompromised. This is why boil water notices are issued.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of gastroenteritis, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, with or without fever, should seek medical attention. These symptoms are not unique to exposure to potential contaminants/organisms in the water, and a doctor's involvement is key to identifying the cause of your illness. If your doctor suspects a waterborne illness, you may be asked to provide blood and/or stool samples.
Can you wash your clothes during a boil water advisory?
Yes, unless a "Do Not Use" notification has been issued, it is safe to wash clothes in tap water as long as the clothes are completely dried before being worn. Note that increased turbidity that sometimes occurs during a boil water event may discolor clothing, especially whites.
Can I use my tap water for cooking during boil water advisory?
No. Any water used for food preparation or cooking needs to be from an acceptable alternate source (such as bottled water) or boiled first.
Is potentially contaminated water safe for washing dishes?
Hand-washed dishes: No. Use boiled (then cooled) water, water from an alternate source, or after washing with dish detergent rinse for a minute in a dilute bleach (1 tablespoon of unscented bleach per gallon of water). Allow dishes, cutlery, cups tocompletely air dry before use.
Dishwasher: Yes. if the hot wash is at least 170 degrees and includes a full dry cycle. However, most home dishwashers do not reach this temperature. If you are uncertain of the temperature of your dishwasher, rinse in dilute bleach and completely air dry as described for hand washed dishes.
How do I boil my water so it is safe to drink?
Bring water to a full rolling boil for one minute, then allow the water to cool before use. Because water may take 30 minutes to cool, plan ahead. Make up a batch of boiled water in advance so you will not be tempted to use it hot and risk scalds or burns. Boiled water may be used for drinking, cooking and washing.
Are there other ways to disinfect my water so it is safe to drink?
Boiling and bottled water are the most reliable means to ensure safe potable water during a boil water event and should always be your first choices.
Acceptable alternate sources for drinking water include:
Bottled water that is certified for sale in New York State
Water from another public water supply (one that is not under the boil water notice)
Water from a New York State (NYS) certified bulk water hauler
Water from a water tanker or water "buffalo" that is provided by your water utility or by emergency response agencies.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Is it safe to shower under a boil water advisory? Answers to FAQs
