Why do drinking water suppliers such as DWSD issue boil-water notices? Most
are related to the occasional equipment malfunctions and pipeline breaks that
increase the risk of contaminants entering the drinking water treatment and
distribution system. When problems arise, as they do with all water supply
systems, DWSD goes beyond the requirements of law to protect public health.
We issue boil-water notices as a precaution even when contamination is
unlikely.
Here
are some answers to frequently asked questions about boil-water notices and
drinking water contamination.
What does boiling water accomplish? Boiling is considered the safest and most effective method of water
disinfection. Vigorous boiling for two minutes will kill any disease-causing
microorganisms and parasites present in water. The flat taste of boiled water
can be improved by aeration: pouring it back and forth from one container to
another. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or get water from
another suitable source.
When should I boil my tap water?
It's prudent to boil water when your water supplier issues a boil-water notice,
when service has been interrupted, or when a natural disaster like a flood or
hurricane has disrupted water service.
What
is a boil-water notice?
It is a notification that advises customers to boil tap water used for
drinking, cooking and ice-making until tests verify the water is safe. The
tests generally takes 48 to 72 hours to complete. It is not necessary to boil water
for showering or other external uses.
When are boil-water notices issued?
Water suppliers are required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to
notify customers to boil water when water samples indicate contamination or
when conditions exist that make the water supply vulnerable to contamination.
These conditions include a drop in system pressure to below 20 pounds per
square inch, a break in a major distribution line, a malfunction of the treatment
system, or a cross-connection to a contaminated water supply.
Why
do these conditions call for boiling water?
When service is interrupted and distribution lines are emptied, contaminants
can enter the lines that transport water. Although waterborne diseases are
extremely rare, they can be serious. The risk is higher for infants, the
elderly and persons with immune deficiency disorders. DWSD issues boil-water
notices even if the possibility of contamination is remote because we do not
want to take any chances with your family's health.
How
does DWSD inform customers about boil-water notices?
We use a variety of methods to communicate. They include delivering fliers
door-to-door and making personal calls to water users such as day care centers,
nursing homes and restaurants. The same methods are used to notify customers
that the notice has ended. Be sure to monitor this page for updates during
boil-water notices
If you are under a boil-water notice: Do not drink tap water. Do not use ice made from recent tap water. Do not use tap water to make drinks, juices, or fountain soft drinks. Cook with tap water ONLY if food is boiled for at least one minute. Wash dishes, fruits and vegetables in boiled water or water that has been disinfected with bleach. Using your home dishwasher is not recommended. Brush your teeth with boiled or bottled water. Wash your hands and bathe as usual. Bathing is safe as long as no water is swallowed.
When your boil-water notice is lifted: Flush faucets for a total of 10 minutes to introduce system water throughout house plumbing. Example: - 1 faucet: run for 10 minutes - 2 faucets: run both for 5 minutes - 3 faucets: run each for 3-4 minutes Flush any faucet a minimum of 2 minutes to ensure clearing of the line serving the faucet. Discard any drinks, ice, food, etc, made during the boil water notice. Rewash any food or drink contact items (knifes, forks, plates, etc.) with "cleared" system water. Check water filters (in faucets, refrigerators and elsewhere) and replace if necessary. Do not use water from your hot water heater for drinking until several exchanges of the tank have occurred. Run dishwasher through a cycle or two before washing dishes.
More information about Boil-water notices can be found on the Mississippi State Department of Health's web page. Type boil water in the search box and click search.
(April 21, 2010 at 11:30am) “Precautionary boil-water notice lifted" The Diamondhead Water & Sewer District has lifted the “Precautionary boil-water notice”. You are no longer required to take any precautions with the use of the water supply as it relates to the precautionary boil-water notice issued on Sunday April 18, 2010. Testing of our water system has confirmed that no contamination occurred and we successfully recovered the water system without any problems. Again, we would like to extend our sincere apology for any inconvenience this may have caused. Should you have further questions you may contact the Diamondhead Water & Sewer District by calling (228) 255-5813.
