Boil Water Order: Understanding Safety & What to Do

A boil water order is a public announcement from a government or health group directing residents in a specific area to boil tap water before consuming it or cleaning with it.

Reason

• A boil water order typically occurs because the public water supply has become contaminated with bacteria that could cause illness to anyone who consumes it. E. coli bacteria is one possibility, according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. A boil water order might also be issued if the risk for contamination is considered high.

Causes

• Natural disasters such as floods that have led to vulnerabilities in the water supply are a common reason for a boil water order, according to an article in the Missouri Families newsletter. Another possibility is problems with equipment or infrastructure involved in a water system.

Process

• The boil water order means simply boiling water for at least three minutes before using it. A boil water order does not apply just to drinking the water, but cooking with it, cleaning with it and brushing your teeth with it. According to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, bathing with contaminated water often is OK for adults, teens and older children.