What Happened:
There was recently a malfunction at the Water Treatment Plant that could have potentially impacted water quality. This triggered a precautionary Boil Water Advisory from the State of Michigan, resulting in the City of Jackson informing local media, along with City of Jackson and Blackman Township water customers. Tests of the water supply have not shown any bacteria. However, it’s important for our customers to know what happened. We plan on updating the community on the status of the advisory on Thursday, June 29 when more testing is complete.
Residents using tap water for drinking or cooking should bring the water to a boil for 1 minute and then cool before use. Boiling kills any potential bacteria. Of course, residents may use bottled water if they are able to. Updates on this situation will be given to local media and posted on the City’s website and social media platforms.
Boil Water Advisory Questions and Answers:
- Why are Precautionary Boil Water Advisories issued?
The advisory does not mean that the water is contaminated. It means it is possible for contaminants to enter the pipes and affect drinking water. Until required bacteriological testing is completed, we recommend, as a precaution, boiling tap water before consuming it to kill any potential contaminants, or using bottled water. We anticipate lifting the boil water advisory June 29th midday.
- What if I accidentally drank tap water before I learned about the Precautionary Boil Water Advisory?
If this happens, don’t panic. The chances of becoming ill are slim. See your doctor if you experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps.
- How long should water be boiled?
Vigorous boiling for at least one full minute is the safest and most effective method of disinfection. Fill a pot with cold water and start timing when steady streams of bubbles pop from the bottom of the pot. Water must be adequately cooled before it can be used for washing or brushing teeth. Store the boiled water in clean, covered containers. Using bottled water is also an option.
- How does boiling water make it safe to drink?
Boiling water purifies it because disease-causing bacteria, viruses or parasites will be destroyed by the heat. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, boiling is considered the most effective and the safest method of water disinfection.
- Should I use bottled water?
When bottled water is available, it is a good alternative to boiling water.
- Can I wash my hands in tap water during the advisory period?
Use tap water and soap for hand washing and basic hygiene, but if you are washing your hands to prepare food, use bottled or boiled water.
- What about brushing teeth?
Use bottled or boiled water to brush teeth.
Yes. Though the risk of illness is minimal, individuals who have recent surgical wounds, are immunosuppressed, or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled or boiled water for cleansing until the advisory is lifted.
- What about washing dishes?
Hand-washing dishes: Wash with hot soapy water, then use boiled water to rinse.
Dishwasher: If the hot water reaches at least 170 degrees or the dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle and includes a full dry cycle, this will be sufficient.
- Can I wash food with tap water?
Fruits, vegetables and other foods should be washed with bottled or boiled water only.
- Can I use tap water for making coffee, tea, lemonade, baby formula, frozen juice, or other beverages?
No. Water intended for drinking must be boiled before using it to make beverages, or use bottled water.
- Can I use my ice maker during the advisory?
Ice already in the freezer when the water pressure drops and before the Precautionary Boil Water Advisory is issued is safe. When the notice is issued, turn off your ice maker. When the advisory is lifted, if no contamination has been found, then you do not need to flush your ice maker before using it.
- Does a water filter protect me?
Water filters in refrigerators and pitchers do not remove bacteria. For under-sink filters, read the manual. If in doubt, boil.
- Is it safe to give water to pets?
Many pets, such as dogs, are susceptible to the same diseases as humans. Provide them with bottled or boiled water.