Water Contamination Emergencies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If your home is served by a public water system and the water in the system is ever contaminated, you will be notified by the water supplier or by the S. C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). In a water emergency, DHEC may issue a Boil Water Advisory or a Boil Water Notice. Advisories and notices will be widely publicized in local broadcasts and newspapers.
What is a Boil Water Advisory?
A Boil Water Advisory warns residents their water may be contaminated. Often, breaks in a water main or loss of pressure in the water system are to blame. While an advisory is in effect, affected residents should heat water to a vigorous, rolling boil for at least one minute before they drink it or cook with it.
What is a Boil Water Notice?
A Boil Water Notice informs people their water is contaminated. Often bacteria from animal and human waste or chemical-laden runoff is the cause. To protect themselves, affected residents must heat their water to a rolling boil for at least one minute prior to drinking or cooking with it.
Why boil water?
Boiling water kills dangerous bacteria and parasites.
How long should I boil the water?
Bring water to a full rolling boil for at least one minute. Allow the water to cool. Then improve the water's taste by moving it from container to container a few times.
What if I lose power and can't boil my water?
Treat it with unscented household bleach (4 to 6 percent solution). Mix eight drops (1/8 teaspoon) of bleach with each gallon of water. Shake to combine, and let the solution stand for 30 minutes before using it.
However, if the water initially appears cloudy, mix 16 drops (1/4 teaspoon) of bleach per gallon of water, then shake to combine. Let the solution stand for 30 minutes before using it. The water may taste slightly of chlorine, but it is safe to drink. (Note: Bleach will kill bacteria, but not parasites.)
Is bottled water safe?
Yes, if it's from a reliable, known source. If you can't tell from the label, boil or treat it with bleach.
Do filters on faucets, refrigerator dispensers and pitchers keep water safe from contamination?
NO. Most filters do not eliminate bacteria. In fact, once an advisory or notice has been lifted, residents should flush out all plumbing lines and fixtures with running water and replace all water filters.
Can I use ice from the refrigerator/freezer ice machine?
No. The ice may be contaminated. Throw it out. Turn off the ice maker. When the notice or advisory is lifted, DHEC will tell residents how to flush out plumbing lines and fixtures with running water. Do this before reactivating the ice maker.
Is it safe to wash dishes, cups and utensils in my dishwasher?
No. Dishwashers aren't capable of disinfecting water completely.
Will my coffee maker render water safe?
No. Water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit, and coffee machines do not get hot enough to hold water at a rolling boil for at least one minute. Only use the coffee machine with boiled water, bottled water from a known source, or treated water.
How should I wash fruits and vegetables?
Fruits and vegetables should be washed with boiled then cooled water, treated water, or bottled water from a known source.
How should I make ice?
Ice should be made with boiled then cooled water, treated water, or bottled water from a known source.
Can I wash my hands with tap water?
Maybe. Vigorous hand washing with soap and tap water may be safe for basic hygiene. But when washing hands before preparing food, use boiled then cooled water, treated water, or bottled water, along with hand washing soap.
Can I use tap water to take a bath or shower or for shaving?
Yes. But take care not to swallow water or get it in your eyes, nose or mouth. Young children should be supervised when bathing. People who have fairly recent surgical wounds, open cuts or sores, or a compromised immune system may want to use bottled water or previously boiled then cooled water.
Can I brush my teeth with tap water in a water emergency?
No. Use only boiled then cooled water, bottled water, or treated water. Don't do anything that might cause you to swallow the tap water.
Is is OK to give my pets tap water?
No. Give them boiled then cooled water or bottled water. Pets such as dogs and cats can catch some of the same diseases from contaminated water that humans can get. Pets could pass these diseases on to their owners.
Can I use the tap water to water my plants?
Yes.
Who is most at risk for illness from microorganisms in contaminated water?
Anyone could become ill. However, the very young, the very old, and people who have weakened immune systems are most affected.
What if I have already consumed water that may be contaminated?
Don't panic. The possibility of becoming ill is relatively low. However, if you experience symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal cramps — with or without fever — you should seek medical attention.
How will I know when the danger has passed? How can I be sure my water is safe again?
The water system owner or operator and/or DHEC will publicize the news that the crisis is over and the advisory or notice has been lifted . They will also advise you on steps you may need to take. For instance, they may tell you to flush your water lines and fixtures with running water for five minutes and replace all your water filters.
Additional Resource: What To Do When A Water-related Emergency Occurs (Non-residential) (pdf)