Living in Florida we are no strangers to a boil water notice in our city. Whether it is the result of a major hurricane that has left broken underground plumbing pipes or it is due to construction, boiling water for safe consumption is essential. Similarly to knowing fire evacuation routes out of your home before a possible fire occurs, learning what a boil water notice is can help you and your family stay calm. Take a look at these tips to know what do and understand how boiling water can lead to good home safety. Our friends at Pelican Water Systems has given us a handy graphic to refer to below when needing to respond to a boil water notice.

Home Safety: Why Is A Boil Water Notice Important?

What is a Boil Water Notice?

A boil water notice will be issued by your local health authorities if they believe that the consumption or using (such as bathing) is important for citizens health.

The leading reasons you may need to boil your water:

Even if you haven’t gone through a major storm there are other reasons why health officials may call for a notice. Here are a few:

• Water main leak or break
• Low water pressure
• Confirmed microbial contamination
• Scheduled Maintenace

Boil Water Notice Infographic

What does a Boiling Water Notice Cover?

• Drinking water
• Making ice
• Cooking
• Washing dishes
• Taking a bath/shower

How long do I let the water boil?

It is advised that you boil water for at least one minute and then let it cooled down to room temperature before using it. This will boil out the bacteria and will make safe water for consumption.

The CDC gives good tips on safe drinking water and when to know when boiling water is necessary for your area.

For more home safety tips on Stagetecture, take a look through our archives. If you have more tips that can help the home safety of others, please share them with us in the comments.