Consolidated Water Works is required to issue a Boil Water Advisory when there is a risk of contaminants entering the water supply. Although the risk is very minimal, Boil Water Advisories are issued as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and health of the public.The Louisiana Department of Health released answers to FAQs regarding Boil Water Advisories. They can be accessed here.
A boil-water advisory is a public health announcement that the public should boil tap water before drinking it. When issued, the public should assume that the water is unsafe to drink.
– Louisiana Department of Health
Incidents that may prompt a Boil Advisory:
- Main Line Break
- Treatment Plant Issue
- Tropical Storms and Hurricanes
- Loss of Pressure in the Distribution System
During a Boil Water Advisory:
- Water works recommends that you bring water to a rolling boil for at least one (1) full minute prior to any activity where water may be ingested. This includes fountain drinks, brushing teeth, making ice, food preparation, or rinsing foods.
- The flat taste can be eliminated by shaking the water in a clean bottle, pouring it from one clean container to another, or by adding a small pinch of salt to each quart of water that is boiled.
- Continue to boil water until the advisory is rescinded (lifted). Water works will issue a Rescind Advisory when water is safe to consume again.
- Water works will conduct tests on water samples to ensure the water is free of contaminates before issuing a Rescind Advisory.
After a Boil Water Advisory:
- Run all cold water faucets for at least 5 minutes
- Flush home ice makers by making and getting rid of 3 batches of ice
- Drain and refill hot water heaters if the heater was set below 113 F
