What to do When the Boil Water Order is Lifted
Flush All Taps When The Boil Water Order Is Lifted
MWRA officials are saying water should be clean enough to drink within the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours. However, it’s not as simple as just turning the faucets back on. Here’s what needs to happen once the boil water order is lifted.
The following information is from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection:
When flushing it is important to carefully follow the instructions provided. Flushing your household and building water ines including: interior and exterior faucets, showers, water/ice dispensers, water treatment units, etc. Water heaters may need to be disinfected and flushed to remove any contaminated water. Some types of water treatment devices may need to be disinfected or replaced before being used. Check with the manufacturer for details.
If you are required by MassDEP to flush your household and building water lines you may use the following guidance.
Flushing your household and building water lines including: interior and exterior faucets, showers, water/ice dispensers, water treatment units, etc.
Take care during such flushing not to come into contact with the water. If contact is made, immediately use bottled water to wash the contacted area. Obtain medical help if you are experiencing symptoms.
Cold Water Faucets: First open and flush for a minimum of 5 minutes all cold-water faucets in the premises, including kitchen, bathroom, shower and other faucets, including outdoor faucets. If you have a single-lever faucet, set it to run the cold water first.
Hot Water Faucets: Next, change all faucets to hot water and flush hot water for a minimum of 15 minutes for a typical household 40-gallon hot water tank. Flush for a minimum of 30 minutes for an 80-gallon hot water tank or larger.
Dishwashers and laundry washing machines: Run empty dishwashers and laundry washing machines one complete cycle. Rewash any clothes washed on the day or days the water was contaminated. (If unsure of the dates contact your water Department.)
Humidifiers: Discard any water used in humidifiers, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), oral, medical or health care devices, and rinse the device with clean water.
Also:
Food and baby formula: Discard baby formula and other foods prepared with water on the day or days the water was contaminated. (If unsure of the dates contact your water Department.)
Ice cubes: Ice cubes made on the day or days the water was contaminated should be discarded. (If unsure of the dates contact your water Department.) Automatic ice dispensers should be emptied and run through a 24-hour cycle, discarding the ice at the end of each cycle to assure purging of the icemaker water supply line.
Due to the flushing of the lines by residents and the flushing of the hydrants, some customers may experience a lack of water pressure and/or discolored water. However, this is an expected result and does not pose an immediate health risk. Contact your local Water Department if you have any questions.