BOIL WATER NOTICE HAS BEEN LIFTED EFFECTIVE – 07/27/24

07/25/24 – 02:18pm

Guidance for Residents Under a Boil Water Notice

What is a Boil Water Notice?

A Boil Water Notice is issued to protect public health when there is a potential for contamination in the water supply. During this notice, you should boil your water to ensure it is safe for consumption.

Key Instructions for Residents

Boiling Water:

• Drinking and Cooking:
  Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute. Let it cool before using.
• Infants:
  Use boiled water to prepare baby formula and for drinking.
• Pets:
  Give pets boiled or bottled water.
• Water for Brushing Teeth and Washing Dishes:
  Brushing Teeth: Use boiled or bottled water for brushing teeth.
  Washing Dishes: Wash dishes with boiled water or use a dishwasher on the hot water setting. Ensure dishes are completely dry before use.
• Water for Bathing and Washing:
  Showering and Bathing: It’s generally safe to shower or bathe, but avoid swallowing water. Use caution when bathing infants and young children, and consider using sponge baths with boiled water that has cooled.
  Handwashing: Use boiled or bottled water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Food Preparation:

• Rinsing Food:
  Use boiled or bottled water to rinse fruits, vegetables, and other food items.
• Ice:
  Do not use ice from ice trays, dispensers, or ice makers. Make ice with boiled or bottled water.
• Cleaning and Household Use:
  Cleaning Surfaces: Use boiled or bottled water for cleaning surfaces, especially those that come into contact with food.
  Laundry: You can use tap water for washing clothes.

Alternative Water Sources:

• Use bottled water for drinking and cooking if you cannot boil water.
• Check with local authorities for available water distribution points.

What Not to Do:

• Do Not Drink Tap Water: Do not use untreated tap water for drinking, cooking, or making ice.
• Do Not Use Ice from Automatic Ice Makers: Discard existing ice and make new ice with boiled or bottled water.
• Do Not Use Untreated Water for Washing Dishes or Brushing Teeth: Always use boiled or bottled water for these purposes.

How to Boil Water Safely:

1. Fill a pot with water.
2. Heat the water until bubbles rise continuously from the bottom to the top of the pot.
3. Let the water boil for at least one minute.
4. Turn off the heat and let the water cool.
5. Pour the water into a clean container with a cover for storage.

After the Boil Water Notice is Lifted

Flush Your System:

• Run cold water faucets for at least 5 minutes.
• Flush water coolers with at least one quart of water.
• Replace water filters, as they may be contaminated.
• Check and Clean Appliances:
• Discard any ice made during the BWN.
• Clean and sanitize ice makers and water dispensers.
• Purge Household Pipes:
• Run each faucet for a few minutes.
• Turn on hot water heaters and let the water run until hot.

Disinfect Equipment:

• Follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning and disinfecting any water-related equipment.

Communication and Updates:

• Contact your local water utility or public health department for specific instructions and updates.
• For more detailed information, visit heathtx.com, follow the City social media, or call (972) 961-4868.