• What to Do After a Boil Water Advisory Has Ended Resident Checklist

Residential Checklist

When a homeowner is notified that the boil water advisory has ended and the drinking water supply is safe the following actions need to be taken before you consume the water.

Flush Water

• Unscrew and remove the faucet aerator (screen).
• Turn on each cold water faucet/tap slowly.
• Run cold water for five minutes.
• Clean and reinstall aerator.

Hot Water Tanks

To clear hot water pipes and water heater of untreated water:

• Run hot water only at all faucets and flush until water runs cool or typically for a minimum of:
  • 15 minutes for a typical household 40 gallon hot water tank.
  • 30 minutes for a hot water tank greater than 40 gallons.
• Hot water is then safe to use for washing of dishes, pots and pans, etc. by hand.

Replace Filters

Water filters that are commonly used in refrigerators, faucets, pitchers, under the sink, and the whole house, etc. are not designed to remove the specific bacteria potentially present during a boil water advisory. If you ran water through your filter during the boil water advisory, the filter could be contaminated.

• Remove and discard water filters.
• Replace with a new filter following flushing.

Note: If you cannot flush or run water when filter is removed, replace with new filter after flushing. Always follow manufacturer's directions for filter replacement.

Check Appliances/Devices

Always read the owner's manual for directions to clean and flush all appliances that use water.

Dishwashers

• After flushing hot water pipes and water heater, run empty dishwasher one time on the hottest or 'sanitize' cycle.

Refrigerators/Freezers

Always follow filter replacement recommendations above.

• For refrigerators without filters, flush water dispensers by running at least one quarter of water.
  • If unsure of your dispenser's capacity, refer to manufacturer specifications.
• Flush home automatic ice makes. Make three batches of ice cubes and discard all batches.

Water Softeners

• Run water softeners through a full regeneration (flush) cycle.

Portable Humidifiers

• Discard any water used in the device.
• Rinse the device with clean water and sanitize.
• If your humidifier has a filter, sanitize the humidifier and replace the filter.
  • Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when you use bleach or any other cleaning product.
  • Use distilled or demineralized water in humidifiers.

Furnace Humidifiers

There is potential for bacteria to grow on humidifier pads and in humidifier reservoirs after a boil water advisory.

• Follow manufacturer's guidelines to clean and disinfect all parts of the humidifier.
• Replace humidifier pad if it cannot be disinfected.

Other Devices

If you used contaminated water during the boil water advisory in nebulizers, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines, oral, medical, or health care devices, take the following actions:

• Discard any water used in the devices listed above.
• Rinse the device with clean water and sanitize.
• If your humidifier has a filter, sanitize the humidifier and replace the filter.
  • Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when you use bleach or any other cleaning product.
  • Sterile water should be used for CPAP machines and nebulizers. Follow manufacturer's directions.