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But, before drinking that water, there are a few steps that need to be taken, according to city officials.
They are advising residents, businesses, food services, schools, childcare facilities, and healthcare facilities to “flush” their water following the lifting of the boil water notice to clear plumbing of potentially contaminated water.
Flushing your building water lines includes interior and exterior faucets, showers, water and ice dispensers, water treatment units, and so on.
Failure to do so could result in stomach or intestinal illness.
Here's how to "flush" your system:
FLUSH WATER
- Unscrew and remove the faucet aerator (screen)
- Turn on each cold water faucet/tap slowly
- Run cold water for five minutes
- Clean after water is flushed with water and dish soap and reinstall aerator
- Clean with vinegar if any solid debris is noticed in the aerator.
- Run hot water only at all faucets and flush until water runs cool or typically for a minimum of:
- 15 minutes for a typical household 40-gallon hot water tank
- 30 minutes for a hot water tank greater than 40 gallons
- Hot water is then safe to use for hand washing dishes, pots, and pans, etc.
REPLACE FILTERS
Water filters that are commonly used in refrigerators, faucets, pitchers, under the sink, and the whole house, etc. are not designed to remove the specific bacteria potentially present during a boil water advisory. If you ran water through your filter during the boil water advisory, the filter could be contaminated.
- Remove and discard water filters
- Replace with a new filter following flushing Note: If you cannot flush or run water when the filter is removed, replace with a new filter after flushing. Always follow manufacturer's directions for filter replacement.
Residents are also advised to check their appliances such as dishwashers and run them on a hot water cycle to clear the lines and debris. For ice makers, make three batches of ice.
Other Devices
If you used contaminated water during the boil water advisory in nebulizers, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines, oral, medical, or healthcare devices, take the following actions:
- Discard any water used in the devices listed above.
- Rinse the device with clean water and sanitize.
- If your humidifier has a filter, sanitize the humidifier and replace the filter.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when you use bleach or any other cleaning product.
For additional information, visit the city's website.
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