ATTENTION!
DRINKING WATER WARNING
Las Campanas Water System water is contaminated.
BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING!
Frequently Asked Questions during a Boil Water Advisory or a Boil Water Notice
~ Background Questions ~
What is a Boil Water Advisory?
A Boil Water Advisory (BWA) or a precautionary boil water advisory is a public statement advising customers to boil tap water before consuming it. Advisories are issued when an event has occurred that creates a potential situation for the water distribution system to become contaminated. BWAs are often issued after pressure loss due to a main break repair. An advisory does not mean the water is contaminated, but rather alerts the customer to the possibility that it could be contaminated. Because the water quality is unknown, customers should assume the water may be unsafe to drink and should take the appropriate precautions.
During an advisory, chances are if an individual is in good health, he or she will not get sick from drinking the water. However, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems are more vulnerable and should not drink the water until it is deemed safe to drink.
What is a Boil Water Order or Boil Water Notice?
Boil Water Orders or Boil Water Notices (BWN) are more serious. They are typically authorized by the regulating agency when a known microbial contaminant such as E. coli is in the water or a malfunction of critical treatment. Customers are required to boil tap water before consuming it.
How does CH2M HILL inform customers about boil-water notices or advisories?
We use a variety of methods to communicate boil notices or advisories. They can include water department staff delivering fliers or dropping off door-hangers to individual homes in the affected area or making telephone calls to large water users such as hospitals, day care centers, nursing homes, and restaurants. Some locations have reverse 911 capabilities or electronic notification through texting and emails. If localized, notices may also be posted in common areas such as libraries, post offices, grocery stores, etc. If widespread, media announcements will occur on local radio stations, television, and newspapers.
The same methods are used to notify customers that the notice has ended.
How long must a Boil Water Advisory or Notice be in effect?
An advisory or notice will remain in effect until bacteria test results show the water is safe to drink. A boil advisory is expected to last a minimum of 24 hours, but can be longer and may last several days if additional bacteria samples are required. Each set of bacteria tests take 24 hours to analyze.
~ Questions Customers Might Ask ~
I already drank the water. Will I get sick?
Most people who drink the water will not get sick. If you do get sick, the symptoms are similar to food poisoning: nausea, diarrhea, cramps, and possibly a mild fever. Symptoms can occur as early as a few hours to several days. However, these symptoms are not just associated with disease causing organisms in drinking water; they may also be caused by many other factors such as eating tainted food or improper hygiene. You should contact or visit your physician if you begin to experience these symptoms.
What should I do during a Boil Water Advisory or Notice?
Boiling is considered to be the safest and most effective method of water disinfection. Vigorous boiling for 1 minute will kill disease-causing microorganisms and parasites that may be present in the water supply. You should boil tap water vigorously for at least 1 full minute prior to using it for drinking or cooking (the minute starts when the water comes to a full rolling boil). Wait for the water to cool before using it, or store it in the refrigerator in a clean container. You should throw away ice made during the time the advisory or notice was issued, as freezing does not kill bacteria. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or get water from another approved suitable source. The table below provides specific guidance as to which activities require or don’t require boiled water during a boil water advisory or notice.
Activities that do require boiled water:
Drinking
Washing food served without cooking/baking
Adding water to food without cooking/baking (washing vegetables and fruit)
Ice making
Cleaning food contact surfaces
Gargling
Eye washing
Taking water with medications
Tooth brushing
Making baby formula
Making coffee, tea, lemonade, etc.
Activities that do not require boiled water:
Showering (do not allow water in mouth)
Tub bathing (do not allow water in mouth)
Dish washing with hot soapy tap water, rinsing with boiled water
Laundry
General cleaning, mopping
Hand washing
Pet watering (optional)
Pet bathing
Plant water/irrigation
Shaving
Can I use my dishwasher during the advisory?
Dishwashers are safe to use if the water reaches a temperature of at least 160°F or if the dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle.
Do I still need to boil my water if I have a filter system on my faucet or refrigerator?
Most home filters are designed to improve the aesthetics of water (improve taste and odor), not remove bacteria. You can learn about the capability of your filter by contacting the manufacturer or NSF International, an independent testing group located in Ann Arbor, Michigan (800-673-8010 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting). If in doubt, you should boil your water or use bottled water even if you have a filtering system.
Do I still need to boil my water if I have a water softener or sediment filter in my home?
Yes, softeners and sediment filters are not designed to remove bacteria.
What about my pet? Is it safe for my pet to drink the water?
Pets have some innate protection for this type of water contamination. However, some people will prefer to boil and then cool water for their pets to drink for safety.
Do I need to worry about my fish or aquatic pets (e.g., reptiles, frogs)?
Most germs that infect people do not infect reptiles or fish. If your water system is using more chlorine or changing disinfection, be cautious about changing the water in your fish tank or aquarium. Contact your local pet store or veterinarian for more advice.
What should I do about feeding my baby?
It is ok to breastfeed your baby. Another option is to use ready-to-use formula. If you are bottle feeding with powdered or concentrated formula, mix it with bottled water. Wash bottles and nipples before use with water that has been previously boiled.
~ Questions for Public Facilities ~
I own a restaurant. What do I need to do?
Restaurants need to observe the boil water order. Water served to customers must be boiled for at least 1 minute. This includes water used for ice making, table water, food preparation, and rinsing dishes. Tap water combined with dish soap can be used to clean dishes, utensils, and cooking ware provided it is rinsed with boiled water. Boiled water must be used to rinse and clean kitchen and dining room surfaces. Coffee makers and soda dispensers must be shut down if they are attached to the water supply. Ice made just prior to the boil advisory should be discarded. Uncooked foods prepared just before the advisory should either be discarded or rewashed using boil water that has been cooled down. Restaurants should contact their local health department for more guidance.
I manage a grocery store. What precautions should I take?
Water sprayers located in the produce section must be shut down. Produce should be rinsed with boiled tap water that has been cooled or use another approved source of water not associated with the tap water.
I am a school principal. What precautions should I take for the children?
Schools should shut all drinking water fountains or place a plastic bag over all fountains if there are no shut-off valves. Bottled water should be supplied to all classrooms while school is in session. Schools with cafeterias should follow the above instructions provided to restaurants.
What should we do after a Boil Water Advisory or Notice has been lifted?
After an advisory or notice has been lifted, you should flush household pipes, ice makers, water fountains, etc. prior to using them for drinking or cooking. Flushing simply means letting the water run to ensure that no contaminated water remains in your pipes. Follow these guidelines for flushing:
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Run all cold water faucets in your home for 1 minute
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To flush automatic ice makers, make 3 batches of ice and discard
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Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle
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Run drinking water fountains for 1 minute
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Run water coolers with direct water connections for 5 minutes
The following additional FAQ should only be used during a Boil Water Order if E. coli is found in the water.
If a boil water order is issued due to E. coli bacteria: E. coli is a subgroup of the fecal coliform bacteria group. There are many strains of E. coli, most of which are harmless, but some strains can cause illness. E. coli outbreaks receive much media coverage. Most outbreaks have been related to food contamination (not water) caused by a specific strain of E. coli known as E. coli O157:H7. When a drinking water sample is reported as “E. coli positive,” it does not mean that this specific strain is present and in fact, it probably is not present. However, it does indicate recent fecal contamination. Boiling contaminated drinking water for 1 minute destroys all forms of E. coli, including O157:H7.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
2015 Report from the State of New Mexico
Important Boil Water Tips
