Why does boil water notices get issued?

A boil water notice is a precautionary notice used to safeguard health when the water supply may have been compromised.

You may be asked to boil your water:

• if tests show that harmful microorganisms could be present in the water.
• at times of high turbidity in the source water (dirty water);
• if the water pressure drops due to equipment failure or power outages.
• because of a break in or repairs on a water main.
• if the water source has been flooded or there is a significant inflow of stormwater.
• during situations that warrant special action to protect consumers' health.

A boil water notice does not mean that the tap water will make everyone seriously ill but it does mean that the bacterial coliform level is higher than allowed by law or that the treatment process is compromised due to high turbidity. It is possible that there may be harmful bacteria (pathogens) in the water.

Boiling the water kills micro-organisms that can cause disease. Bring tap water to a full rolling boil, let it boil for one minute and then let it cool before using.