Boil Order Instructions
A “boil order” is a precautionary measure. The Ohio EPA recommends public water suppliers issue a boil order anytime the pressure in the water distribution system drops below 20psi and the system is compromised due to a water main break, local flooding, structure fires, or even regular operational maintenance. Based on careful analysis by water system personnel, boil orders are only issued for specific areas, and usually for not more than 24 hours.
- Here are some tips to keep in mind if a boil order is issued in your area:
- Bring water to a full boil, and boil for three minutes prior to use.
- Use only boiled water for drinking, preparing food or baby formula.
- To improve the flat taste of boiled water, keep cold in refrigerator.
- Put a cup over your faucets as a reminder to not use tap water – not even to brush your teeth!
- Instead of boiling water, you can disinfect water by adding one teaspoon unscented chlorine laundry bleach for every five gallons of water. Let stand 30 minutes before using.
- Be sure to use sanitized food grade containers for storing water.
- To disinfect water storage containers, pour a solution of one tablespoon of unscented chlorine bleach to a gallon of water into a container. Let the solution remain in the container for 10 minutes, then pour out the solution. Rinse with purified water.
- Dispose of ice cubes made when a boil order is in place.
- When washing dishes, make sure to sterilize dishes with a final dip in water that has one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water. Disposable tableware is an option during a boil order.
- Water for bathing doesn’t need to be boiled. Supervise children to avoid water being ingested.
- Immuno-compromised persons such as those with cancer receiving chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, elderly people, and infants may be more susceptible to infection by Crytosporidium and other microbial contaminants, and should be extra careful.
Remember, a boil order does not mean the water is definitely contaminated, but your public water provider cannot know for sure until 24 hours after a sample is taken, as that is when the test is read. The City of Athens automatically lifts boil orders at the 24 hour mark if the tests come back that no contaminant is present. Please call the boil order hotline at 740-594-5078 for more information on this boil order. General information from the EPA/CDC on appropriate means to lessen infection risk is available at 1-800-426-4791.
How can I be notified about a boil order?
- Road signs in you neighborhood
- Local Radio Stations
- The Government Channel TV
- Boil Order Hotline: 740-594-5078
- Nixle emergency notifications (The city strongly recommends using this service to receive breaking news within the county including information from the Athens City and Athens County Emergency Management Agency)
- Twitter
Boil orders are announced most local radio services and on the local government access channel. There is also a boil-order hotline at 740-594-5078. Boil Orders are also available on the City's Facebook and Twitter pages, and are sent through the Nixle emergency notification system. For any further questions, contact 740-593-7636.
Boil Order Signage
The City of Athens will begin placing boil order signs in various locations in the city when a boil order has been issued. These will be placed by the water maintenance crews in a boil order area. (where there has been a line break, open water main, or drop in water pressure).
This is to alert residents in that area of a boil order and they can call the number on the sign or visit the city web site to see if their street is listed.
The City of Athens will begin placing boil order signs in various locations in the city when a boil order has been issued. These will be placed by the water maintenance crews in a boil order area. (where there has been a line break, open water main, or drop in water pressure). This is to alert residents in that area.
