▼

Boil Water

Show All Answers

1. When E. Coli is found in my drinking water, what does that mean?

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Project (DEP) monitors drinking water throughout the state through regular testing. Sometimes water testing finds E. coli/ fecal coliform bacteria in the drinking water supply. E. coli and fecal coliform bacteria indicate that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Drinking water with these wastes can cause short-term illness, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune systems. If this happens, the Town issues a boil water advisory. A boil water advisory lets people know that they should boil their water for at least one minute, or use bottled water, for drinking, cooking, food preparation, making ice, brushing teeth, bathing children, and washing dishes. In addition, infants and young children should not be bathed in this water because they may accidentally swallow it. 

2. How long will this problem with the water last?

During a boil water advisory, the the Town and the State will need to investigate the cause of the contamination and fix the problem. Then they need to do a series of tests to ensure there are no more bacteria in the water. As soon as MassDEP is assured that the water is safe, we will lift the boil water advisory and the Town will issue a public notice.

3. Should I drink bottled water during an advisory?

Yes. If bottled water is available, that is the best option until officials say otherwise. If you do not have bottled water available, the next best option is to boil your tap water to make it safe to drink. Filters do not remove E.Coli fecal coliform bacteria.

4. I do not have bottled water available for drinking. How do I boil my water to make it safe to drink?

• Fill a pot with water.
• Heat the water until bubbles come quickly from the bottom of the pot to the top.
• Keep heating the water for one more minute.
• Turn off the heat source and let the water cool.
• Pour water into a clean, sanitized container with a cover for storage.

5. I don’t like the taste of boiled water. What can I do?

To improve the taste of boiled water you can:

• Pour cooled, boiled water back and forth from one clean glass or container into another to add air to the water, or
• Let the water stand for a few hours, or
• Add a pinch of salt to each quart of boiled water.

6. I do not have bottled water for drinking and I cannot boil my water to make it safe to drink. How do I disinfect my water to make it safe to drink?

Disinfectant tablets obtained from a wilderness store or pharmacy may be used. In an emergency, liquid chlorine bleach such as Clorox© or Purex© can be used at a dose of 8 drops (or 1 teaspoon) of bleach to each gallon of water. (Careful measurement with a clean dropper or other accurate measuring device is required when using liquid chlorine bleach.) Let stand for at least 30 minutes before use. Read the label to see that the bleach has 5-6% available chlorine.

7. Can I use my coffee maker, ice machine, or water or soda dispenser?

• Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water lines. This includes the water and ice dispensers in your refrigerator/freezer. Most kitchen and other household water filters typically do not remove or kill all bacteria or viruses.
• Use bottled, boiled, or disinfected water to make coffee and ice.
• When the boil water advisory is lifted, consult the owner’s manual to find out how to sanitize appliances.

8. Can I use ice from my refrigerator/freezer?

• Do not use ice from ice trays, ice dispensers, or ice makers.
• Throw out all ice made with tap water.
• Make new ice with bottled, boiled, or disinfected water.

9. What should I do about preparing food and beverages? How should I wash fruit, vegetables, and food preparation surfaces?

• Wash fruits and vegetables with bottled, boiled, or disinfected water.
• Use bottled or boiled water that has cooled to cook food.
• Use bottled, boiled, or disinfected water when preparing drinks, such as coffee, tea, and lemonade.
• Wash food preparation surfaces with bottled, boiled, or disinfected water.

10. What should I do about feeding my baby?

Breastfeeding is best. Continue to breastfeed. If breastfeeding is not an option:

• Use ready-to-use baby formula, if possible.
• Prepare powdered or concentrated baby formula with bottled water. Use boiled water if you do not have bottled water.
• Wash and sterilize bottles and nipples before use with bottled or boiled water.
• If you cannot sterilize bottles, try to use single-serve, ready-to-feed bottles.

11. How do I wash dishes during a boil water advisory?

Use disposable plates, cups, and utensils, if possible. If you do not have disposable dishes, follow the instructions below.

• Household dishwashers generally are safe to use. If possible, set your dishwasher so it is using a hot water rinse or sanitizing cycle.
• To wash dishes by hand:
  • Wash and rinse the dishes as you normally would using hot water.
  • In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water.
  • Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least 1 minute.
  • Let the dishes air dry completely before using them again.

12. I already drank the water. Will I get sick?

Almost everyone who drinks this water will be fine and will have no symptoms at all. Those people who do develop symptoms may suffer nausea, diarrhea, cramps, and possibly a mild fever. These symptoms are very much what you would expect from a case of food poisoning. 

If you get these symptoms, you should wash your hands frequently and avoid dehydration. Call a doctor if an infant or elderly person develops these symptoms or if you have a weakened immune system. You should also call a doctor if you have diarrhea and any of the following symptoms: 

•  Fever over 101.5° F, measured orally. 
• Blood in the stool. 
• Prolonged vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down (which can lead to dehydration). 
• Signs of dehydration, including a decrease in urination, a dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up. 
• Diarrheal illness that lasts more than 3 days.  

13. What should I do if I have symptoms?

The most important thing to do is avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid drinks with caffeine, such as soda, coffee, and tea. If you are concerned about your health or the health of a family member, contact your healthcare provider.

14. Should I give my pets boiled water?

Yes. Pets can get sick from the same contaminants as people. It is a good idea to give them bottled, boiled, or disinfected water. Boiled water should always be cooled before using.

15. 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. Standard aquarium operations require removal of chlorine and chloramines, which can be toxic to fish and reptiles.

Contact your local pet store or veterinarian for more information.

16. Is it safe to water my garden and house plants?

Yes, you can use the tap water for household plants and gardens.

17. Is it safe to let my children play in a kiddie pool filled with tap water?

No. Due to the high chance that children will get water in their mouth while playing in a kiddie pool, we recommend that you avoid using your kiddie pool during the boil water advisory.

18. Can I use tap water to wash my hands?

In many situations, you can use tap water and soap to wash your hands. Be sure to scrub your hands with soap and water (warm or cold) for 20 seconds and rinse them well under running water. It is important to dry hands completely with a towel or by letting them air dry.  Hand sanitizer can be used after proper washing for an additional layer of protection. 

19. Can I use tap water to brush my teeth?

No. Use bottled water or boiled water that has cooled to brush your teeth.

20. Is it safe to take a shower or bath?

Yes, as long as you don't swallow the water. Infants and young children should not be bathed in this water because they might swallow some accidentally. To prevent this, bathe your children with pre-boiled or bottled water or give them sponge baths using only a small amount of water. There is no problem with bathing nursing home or elderly patients unless there is any possibility of them swallowing the water. Patients with open sores should not be bathed even under normal conditions. Don't use swimming pools as a substitute for bathing. Tap water is safer.

21. What about shaving?

Yes, you can shave as usual.

22. What about doing laundry?

Yes, it is safe to do laundry as usual.

23. What about cooking?

Use pre-boiled water for all preparation of food. If food is to be cooked in water, boil the water first for more than one minute.