What is a boil water order?

Any occurrence that compromises the microbiological purity of drinking water served by a public water distribution system requires the issuance of a boil water order by either the utility providing the service or the local regulatory authority (i.e., county health department or regional office of the Department of Environmental Protection). This order would be issued on a precautionary basis if the threat to bacteriological water quality is suspected, but not confirmed. Boiling drinking water at risk of contamination vigorously for a least one full minute can render it safe for human consumption.

What occurrences may require the issuance of a boil water order?

• Complete loss of pressure in the water distribution system due to equipment failure or inability to meet demand.
• No detection of a chlorine residual in widespread portions of the water distribution system.
• A significant water main break.
• Detection of a significant amount of off-quality (dirty or cloudy) water in the distribution system.
• Confirmed detection of pathogenic bacteria in the water distribution system. This is not a boil water order to be issued on a precautionary basis. It would require two consecutive days of satisfactory bacteriological analysis to rescind this boil water order.
• Scheduled water turnoffs in the distribution system for maintenance or new main tie-in purposes.
• Pending approach or aftermath of a hurricane which may cause widespread water main and service line breaks in the distribution system.

How is a boil water order issued?

A boil water order is issued to customers served by the affected water system as soon as possible after the problems that warrants this action is noted. This order is usually announced by the water supplier through the various media after consultation with the local regulatory agency. Initial notification should be on the basis of advising customers to boil their drinking water until further notice. The collection of one round of bacteriological samples that show no contamination upon analysis is sufficient to cancel the precautionary boil water order after confirming the results and action to be taken with the regulatory agency, followed by notification to the media. A small water system may use handbills to notify customers of a boil water order.

What usage of water requires boiling?

Water used for drinking and food preparation requires boiling. Other water usage such as toilet flushing, clothes washing and cleaning does not require boiling.

What other alternatives are there to boiling water?

If means of heating is not available or convenient, the next best alternative is to add 8 drops of newly purchased liquid unscented household bleach per gallon of water, stir, and then allow the water to stand for 30 minutes before use. Bottled water that has been properly stored can be used during emergencies such as a boil water order. It takes at least one half-gallon of safe drinking water per day to supply the average needs of a normally active person during moderate weather.

For further information, please contact the Broward County Health Department at (954) 467-4846.