If coliform bacteria are detected, the water system is required to conduct additional testing to ensure that the water is safe. If the additional tests indicate the continued presence of coliform bacteria, then the water system must issue a boil advisory until the source of the bacteria is found and eliminated. When a water system issues a boil advisory, consumers should assume the water is unsafe to drink because the coliform bacteria detected in the water may indicate the presence of disease-causing microorganisms. Consumers should carefully follow the advisories described by the public water system. Under a boil advisory, consumers are advised to bring the water they use for drinking, cooking and brushing teeth to a rolling boil for one to three minutes.
Consumers can use bottled drinking water while the boil advisory is in effect.
Boiling water will not remove sodium, nitrates and other inorganic chemicals from water. It may, in fact, increase the concentration of these contaminants. Boiling water will also not remove pesticides from water. This type of notice would be in effect until the system notifies consumers the water is acceptable for consumption and other uses. The owner or operator of the public water system is legally responsible for issuing public notices.