Page 28 - Layout 1

HEALTHY
EATING

BOIL WATER ADVISORY

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

If your local health officials issue a boil water advisory, you should •Household dishwashers generally are safe to use if:
use bottled water or boil tap water. This is because a boil water ad- o The water reaches a final rinse temperature of at least
visory means your community’s water has, or could have, germs that 150 degrees Fahrenheit (66°Celsius), or
can make you sick. o The dishwater has a sanitizing cycle.
Advisories may include information about preparing food, •Sanitize all baby bottles.
drinks, or ice; dishwashing; and hygiene, such as brushing teeth and •To wash dishes by hand:
bathing. Boil water advisories usually include this advice: o Wash and rinse the dishes as you normally would
•Use bottled or boiled water for drinking, and to prepare and using hot water.
cook food. o In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented
•If bottled water is not available, bring water to a full rolling boil household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water.
for 1 minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for 3 minutes). o Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least one minute.
After boiling, allow the water to cool before use. o Let the dishes air dry completely before using again.
•Boil tap water even if it is filtered (for example, by a home water
filter or a pitcher that filters water). Laundry
•Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water •It is safe to wash clothes as usual.
line, such as ice and water from a refrigerator.
•Breastfeeding is the best infant feeding option. If you formula- Cleaning
feed your child, provide ready-to-use formula, if possible. •Clean washable toys and surfaces with:
o Bottled water,
Handwashing o Boiled water, or
•In many cases, you can use tap water and soap to wash hands dur- o Water that has been disinfected with bleach
ing a boil water advisory. Follow the guidance from your local
public health officials. Caring for pets
•Be sure to scrub your hands with soap and water for at least 20 •Pets can get sick from some of the same germs as people or
seconds. Then, rinse them well under running water. spread germs to people. Give pets bottled water or boiled
•If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand water that has cooled.
sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. •If bottled water is not available, bring water to a full rolling boil
for 1 minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for 3 minutes).
Bathing and showering After boiling, allow the water to cool before use.
•Be careful not to swallow any water when bathing or showering. •Boil tap water even if it is filtered (for example, by a home water
•Use caution when bathing babies and young children. Consider filter or a pitcher that filters water).
giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swal- •Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water
lowing water. line, such as ice and water from a refrigerator.
Caring for your garden and houseplants
Brushing teeth •You can use tap water for household plants and gardens.
•Brush teeth with boiled or bottled water. Do not use tap water
that you have not boiled first. Reference:
cdc.gov/healthywater
Washing dishes
•If possible, use disposable plates, cups, and utensils during a boil
water advisory.

28 SAN ANTONIO MEDICINE • May 2021