Water pressure keeps unhealthy pollutants from entering the underground pipes that bring drinking water to your house or business. When the pressure is lost, contaminants can seep into the pipes. This might allow pathogens (disease-causing germs) into the water that can cause illness if one drinks it or prepares food or beverages with it. So, as a precaution, it is important to disinfect tap water to kill any bacteria or viruses that may have entered the water.
Residents should boil their water prior to consumption (drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth or washing dishes) as a precautionary measure. A vigorous boil for one minute is adequate to render water bacteriologically safe for drinking.
Under a precautionary boil water notice, water used for consumption can be disinfected by any one of the following methods:
- Bringing the water to a rolling boil and holding it there for one (1) minute
- Using a disinfecting chemical. If you cannot boil water, you should put eight (8) drops of common household bleach which is about 1/8th teaspoon, into one (1) gallon of tap water, then shake it, and allow it to stand for 30 minutes before drinking. If the water is cloudy, use sixteen (16) drops, about 1/4th teaspoon of bleach instead of 8, shake it, and let it stand for 30 minutes. There should be a slight chlorine odor. Use common household bleach that has 5% to 6% active ingredients. Use food grade containers. Don’t use bleach that has perfume scents added.
- Using water purification tablets or iodine that many sports and camping stores sell.
- You can also buy commercial bottled water for consumption and food preparation.
Consumption includes brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, and homemade ice. Tap water may be used for showering, baths, shaving and washing, so long as care is taken not to swallow or allow water in eyes or nose or mouth. Children and disabled individuals should have their baths supervised to ensure water is not ingested. The time spent bathing should be minimized. Though the risk of illness is minimal, individuals who have recent surgical wounds, are immunosuppressed, or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled or boiled water for cleansing until the notice is lifted.
For questions please call Toho Water Authority at 407-944-5000.
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