What to Do During a Boil Water Advisory in Los Angeles
A Boil Water Advisory is a public notice issued when the drinking water supply may be contaminated due to a drop in water pressure, a water line break, or another issue affecting water quality. This advisory is essential for protecting public health and reducing the risk of intestinal illness and other health concerns. If your area receives a boil water notice, it’s crucial to take immediate precautions to ensure your tap water is safe for drinking water, cooking purposes, and other daily needs.
Understanding a Boil Water Advisory
Local water departments issue advisories when there is potential microbiological contamination in the drinking water distribution system. The Department of Environmental Health and Quality, County Public Health, and Environmental Health Officers work together to monitor water safety and provide urgent notifications if a water supply is compromised.
Boil Water Advisories can be triggered by:
- Water line breaks
- Bacteria contamination
- Disinfection process failures
- Natural disasters like wildfires (e.g., Palisades Fire)
- Boil Water Advisory Economic Impact Survey data
- Emergency repairs to the water tank or entire water systems
Steps to Take During a Boil Water Advisory
- Boil Your Water Properly
- Bring cold tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute (or three minutes at higher elevations).
- Allow the water to cool before using it.
- Store in a covered container.
- Use Safe Alternatives
- Use bottled water or pre-boiled or bottled water for food preparation, drinking water, and washing vegetables.
- Avoid using lukewarm water from the tap, as it may not be drinkable water.
- Household Chores and Hygiene
- Use boiled water for washing dishes, washing hands, and washing clothes.
- Dishwashers are safe if they reach 150°F or have a sanitizing cycle.
- Washing hands with soap and water is generally safe, but use bottled or pre-boiled water if recommended.
- Health and Safety Precautions
- If you have a chronic illness, contact your healthcare provider for advice.
- Do not use tap water for contact lenses.
- Pets need safe water too—only provide bottled or pre-boiled water for pets.
The L.A. Department of Water and Power handles water emergencies and provides real-time updates. If a boil water notice is issued, residents should check the American Water Customer Advisory Map for affected locations.
What to Do When the Advisory Is Lifted
When an ALERT – LIFTED UPDATE is issued, follow these steps:
- Flush out cold water faucets for several minutes.
- Clean equipment with water lines like coffee makers and refrigerators.
- Replace water filters.
- Continue monitoring updates from local water districts and city for details.
How Culligan Can Help During a Boil Water Advisory
When a Boil Water Advisory is issued, ensuring access to safe drinking water is critical for your health and daily activities. Culligan offers a range of services to help you maintain water safety and peace of mind during a boil water notice.
1. Bottled Water Delivery for Essential Needs
During a boil water notice, relying on bottled or pre-boiled water is the safest option for drinking, cooking purposes, food preparation, and personal hygiene. Culligan provides bottled water delivery to homes, businesses, and healthcare providers, ensuring that you have access to a clean water supply without disruption. Whether you need a gallon of water for home use or a larger supply for food facilities, Culligan has you covered.
2. Advanced Water Filtration Systems for Long-Term Protection
Culligan’s water filtration systems are designed to remove contaminants, bacteria contamination, and Disinfection Byproducts from your drinking water supply. While a boil water notice is temporary, recurring water quality issues can indicate a need for a permanent filtration solution. Our systems help protect against cloudy water, discolored water, and microbiological contamination, ensuring drinkable water even when water systems experience disruptions such as a drop in water pressure or a water line break.
3. Comprehensive Water Testing for Additional Safety
Culligan offers water testing services to identify contaminants in your local water supply. Our experts conduct comprehensive testing to detect bacteria, Disinfection Byproducts, and other pollutants that could pose a health risk. We can also help you interpret your annual water quality report from your water provider and recommend the best filtration options.
By staying proactive, you can minimize the economic impact of boil water notice residents and ensure that your water for drinking and essential purposes remains safe and clean. Contact Culligan today for bottled water delivery, advanced filtration, and expert water testing to keep your water supply secure.
