|
| Boil Order |
| When is the Order Issued? |
Microbiological contamination when there is no identified risk due to inhalation, skin irritation, or flammability |
| What to Do |
Boil water at a rolling boil for 1 minute before using for any human consumption1 purpose.
Use bottled water or water from an alternative source.
Discard ice4.
You may bathe with this water but when bathing do not swallow water (sponge bathe kids).
You may flush toilets. |
| Examples of What to Do |
Boil your water or if you cannot boil use bottled water, or water from an alternate source for the following human consumption purposes:
- Brushing teeth
- Washing hands
- Washing cuts, bruises, etc
- Cooking
- Ice making
- Washing vegetables
- Washing eating/cooking utensils
- Pets (water, food, bathe)
|
| Procedures for Food Establishments |
Food establishments must follow MA DPH procedures and the direction of their local board of health (LBH).
See pg. 18 of the DPH guide2 for procedures to follow during a Boil Order.
LBH may be more stringent than the DPH guide. |
| Do Not Drink Order |
| When is the Order Issued? |
Chemical or radiological contamination when there is no identified risk due to inhalation, skin irritation or flammability. Bacteria contamination when boiling or disinfection is not available or practical. |
| What to Do |
Do not use water for human consumption1 purposes.
Use bottled water from an alternative source.
Discard ice4.
You may bathe with this water but when bathing do not swallow the water (sponge bathe kids).
You may flush toilets. |
| Examples of What to Do |
Use bottled water or water from an alternate source for the following human consumption purposes:
- Brushing teeth
- Washing hands
- Washing cuts, bruises, etc
- Cooking
- Ice making
- Washing vegetables
- Washing eating/cooking utensils
- Pets (water, food, bathe)
|
| Procedures for Food Establishments |
Food establishments must follow the DPH guide and the directions of their LBH.
See pg. 15 of the DPH guide2 for procedures to follow during a water interruption incident.
LBH may be more stringent than the DPH guide. |
| Do Not Use Order |
| When is the Order Issued? |
Chemical or radiological or unknown contamination when there is a risk from inhalation, skin irritation, or flammability. |
| What to Do |
Do not use the water for any purpose.
Use bottled water or water from an alternate source.
Discard ice4.
Do not flush toilets or other units until MassDEP has determined it is safe to do so. |
| Examples of What to Do |
Use bottled water or an alternate source for all human consumption purposes including showering.
Discard any products prepared with the water collected during the period of concern, e.g., baby formulas, foods, ice cubes, etc.
Do not use the shower or flush toilets until approved to do so by MassDEP. Showering and flushing may present a risk from inhalation.
When or if flushing is allowed or required by MassDEP flush all pipes and units e.g. hot and cold water taps, toilets, humidifiers, dishwashers, washing machines, etc3. |
| Procedures for Food Establishments |
Food establishments must follow the DPH guide and the directions of their LBH.
See pg. 15 of the DPH guide2 for procedures to follow during a water interruption incident.
LBH may be more stringent than the DPH guide. |
Printer-friendly version: MS Word 34 KB | PDF 18.7 KB
1 On 2/26/88, the US District Court settled the US vs. Midway Heights case in part by claiming "human consumption includes drinking, bathing, showering, cooking, dishwashing, and maintaining oral hygiene."
2 For DPH's guide visit the Emergency Action Planning page on the DPH Web site.
3 For more information read MassDEP's flushing fact sheet at http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/laws/policies.htm#dwguid.
4 Freezing does not kill bacteria. Discard ice made during the period in question.
|
priorities & results
drinking water
