While the inner workings of a town or city’s water system may be a mystery to most residents, there are occasional times when it becomes highly relevant. One of those times is when the municipality is forced to issue what’s known as a boil advisory. Here’s a closer look at what these events mean and why they occur. 

What Is a Boil Advisory?

A water boil notice is an official advisory from the local government that a problem has developed in the local water supply. As a result of the issue, residents should, under no circumstances, drink their tap water as is. You must boil it for it to be potable. Usually, these notices tend to last anywhere from 24 hours to a few days. 

What Are Some Common Causes?

There are a variety of reasons why boil water notices are issued, but they all ultimately relate to a failure within the town or city’s water system. The specific cause will usually be specified on the advisory itself. Sometimes, the reason is a local flood that may have brought animal feces or other contaminants into the water supply. In other cases, there may have been a power outage that disrupted treatment of the water system. It’s also possible that a water line became disrupted, acquiring contaminants, or that the disinfection agent was found to be tainted. 

What Should You Do During the Event?

Boil all water you intend to drink or wash food with for up to a minute. For other uses, such as baths, showers, and hand washing, you can still rely on the tap water as is. However, it’s much safer to use boiled water when brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth out. It may seem obvious, but remember that boiled water is extremely hot and takes time to cool. However, by boiling early and often, you can have the H₂O exactly when you need it.

From residential homes to public schools and industrial buildings, boil advisories affect everyone. To secure a high-quality water boiler for your commercial operation, reach out to a water management expert like Western Environmental Management in Carlsbad, NM. In business for over 30 years, these specialists also offer water softeners, reverse osmosis water systems, and demineralizers to ensure the purity of your H₂0. Inquire further about their products by calling (575) 885-5709. Learn more about the company by visiting their website.