Although a water purifier in your home can remove minerals and certain chemicals to make the liquid safe for consumption, the time might come when additional treatment is necessary. In the event your area’s drinking water has been contaminated with infectious pathogens, local government agencies and health authorities will issue boil-water advisories. To help prepare for emergencies, below are answers to common questions about advisory procedures and how to treat the water. 

FAQ About Boil-Water Advisory Notices 

How long do boil-water notices last?

When water doesn’t meet state and federal health and safety standards, notices are issued to the public. Area residents are advised to boil the water until laboratory testing indicates it is free of bacterial contamination again. Although the timeline can vary, it usually takes authorities 24 to 48 hours to perform testing, analyze the results, and correct the problem. The local health department or water utility company will send out a notice when the advisory is lifted. 

Can water purifiers remove the pathogens?

Once you receive a boil-water advisory notice, don’t ignore the instructions. Although water purifiers are designed to filter out certain particles from the supply, equipment won’t be able to remove the harmful bacteria and viruses that live and spread in the liquid. The heat from boiling water causes structural damage to the pathogens to render them inactive. 

What does the treatment procedure entail?

Similar to making pasta, you should put a large pot of water on the stove and heat it until it reaches a rolling boil. Let the water boil for a minute and then wait at least 30 minutes for it to cool before use. While the advisory is in effect, only use treated water for bathing, cooking, and washing dishes by hand. You can make large batches at a time and set them aside in containers for convenience. Using the hot water setting on the washing machine and dishwasher will effectively boil the liquid to remove the pathogens. 

What steps should be taken after the notice is lifted?

After the advisory is lifted, you’ll need to take steps to remove any traces of the harmful organisms from your pipes, appliances, water purifiers, and plumbing fixtures. You can let cold water run out of faucets for five minutes each to clear the pipes and fixtures. Replace the liquid in water heater tanks and put the water softener through the regeneration cycle. As pathogens can get stuck in filters, replace those components in your water purification system.

To ensure your family’s water supply is free of dangerous contaminants, contact the Fairfield, OH-based technicians at Butler Water Systems. For over 40 years, the technicians have been committed to improving the quality and taste of the water in clients’ homes and businesses and help their appliances last longer. To discover which water purifier will remedy contamination problems you need to address, call (513) 867-5700 for product details. Visit the company online to see what additional services the staff provides.