Thousands in Florida under boil water notice. Here's how to make your water safe
Boil water notices are not uncommon, but widespread water advisories after a hurricane like Idalia mean residents have to take extra measures to make their water safe not only for drinking but everything from brushing their teeth to washing their hands.
Thousands of Florida residents across numerous counties, especially in the Big Bend area where Idalia made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, remain under boil water notices two days later.
Here's how to keep you and your family safe from illness caused by unsanitary water.
Remember, if you know or suspect your water is unsafe, don’t use that water to drink, wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula.
This advice was compiled from information provided by the Florida Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control.
How to know if you're under a boil water notice
The Florida Department of Health maintains a list representing the best information available at the time of publication. The list of boil water notices in effect have been compiled from multiple sources, including press reports, utility data, and information from local authorities.
For the most current information in your area, contact your county or city utility company or county emergency services department.
If you know you're under a boil water notice, or you're not sure, here's how to make your water safe.
Boil water to make it safe
Boiling is the best method to kill disease-causing germs, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
Once the water reaches a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute.
Boil tap water, even if it is filtered.
Store the boiled water in clean sanitized containers with tight cover.
If your water is cloudy, filter it first through a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter, or allow it to settle. Then, draw off the clear water and follow the steps above.
Improve the flat taste of boiled water by pouring it from one container to another and then allowing it to stand for a few hours or adding a pinch of salt for each quart or liter of boiled water.
Can't boil your water? If tap water is clear, here's how much bleach to use to make it safe
If you don’t have safe bottled water and if boiling is not possible, make small quantities of water safer to drink by using a chemical disinfectant, such as unscented household chlorine bleach, iodine, or chlorine dioxide tablets, according to the CDC and state department of health.
While disinfectants can kill most harmful or disease-causing viruses and bacteria, most disinfectants are not as effective as boiling for killing more resistant germs, such as the parasites Cryptosporidium and Giardia.
Chlorine dioxide tablets can kill Cryptosporidium if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions correctly.
Important: If the water has fuel, harmful chemicals or radioactive material in it, adding a disinfectant will not make it drinkable. If you suspect your water is contaminated with fuel or chemicals, contact your local health department for specific advice.
Another important note: Iodine, tablets with iodine, or chlorine tablets kill most germs, but not Cryptosporidium. Water that has been disinfected with iodine is not recommended for pregnant women, people with thyroid problems, or those with known hypersensitivity to iodine. It’s also not recommended for continuous use; don’t use it for more than a few weeks at a time.
Use unscented bleach.
Add 1/8 teaspoon (8 drops or about 0.75 milliliters) of unscentedhousehold liquid bleach to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water.
For one quart of water, add 2 drops of bleach.
For a 5-gallon container, add 40 drops of bleach
Mix well and wait 30 minutes or more before drinking.
Special note: Typically, unscented household liquid chlorine bleach in the United States will be between 5% and 9% sodium hypochlorite.
If tap water is cloudy, here's how much bleach to use to disinfect it
Filter water using clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter.
Use unscented bleach with 5% and 9% sodium hypochlorite. (check your container; some offer suggestions on the label on how to disinfect water)
Add 1/8 teaspoon (8 drops or about 0.75 milliliters) of unscented household liquid bleach to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water. Mix well and wait 30 minutes.
For one quart of water, add 2 drops of bleach.
For a 5-gallon container, add 40 drops of bleach
If the water remains cloudy, add an additional 1/8 teaspoon of bleach. Mix well and wait 30 minutes.
If still cloudy after the second treatment, dispose of water and start the process over again, or use bottled water.
Can you use a filter to make water safe?
Many portable water filters can remove disease-causing parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia from drinking water.
If you are choosing a portable water filter:
Try to pick one that has a filter pore size small enough (absolute pore size of 1 micron or smaller) to remove parasites, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Portable water filters do not remove viruses, and most portable filters do not remove bacteria.
Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the water filter you are using.
After filtering, add a disinfectant such as iodine, chlorine, or chlorine dioxide to the filtered water to kill any viruses and bacteria. See special notes above about using iodine.
How to sanitize a container to store water
If you are filling containers with water to store, it is best to use food-grade water storage containers. Do not containers that were previously used to hold liquid or solid toxic chemicals, such as bleach or pesticides.
Before filling with water, follow these steps to clean and sanitize water storage containers:
Wash the storage container with soap and rinse completely with water.
Sanitize the container with a solution made by mixing 1 teaspoon of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach in 1 quart (4 cups) of water. Use bleach that contains 5%–9% sodium hypochlorite.
Cover the container tightly and shake it well. Make sure the sanitizing bleach solution touches all inside surfaces of the container.
Wait at least 30 seconds and then pour the sanitizing solution out of the container.
Let the empty container air dry before use.
Pour clean water into the sanitized container and cover it with a tight lid.
Tips for storing your water safely
Tips for storing water from your home:
Label container as drinking water and include storage date.
Replace water every six months.
Keep containers in a place with a cool temperature of 50 to 70 degrees.
Keep containers away from direct sunlight.
Keep containers away from areas where toxic substances, such as gasoline or pesticides, are present.
Cooking under a boil water notice?
Always use clean or bottled water to:
Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating.
Make drinks, such as coffee and tea.
Need ice? Head to the store
Do not use ice from ice trays, ice dispensers, or ice makers.
Use only commercially available ice until the boil water notice has been lifted.
Use precautions when brushing teeth or taking shower under boil water notice
Be careful not to swallow any water when bathing or showering.
Brush teeth with boiled or bottled water.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Boil water notice: How to make water safe to drink, store, cook
