WHAT TO DO AFTER A BOIL WATER NOTICE IS LIFTED
Residents are advised to “flush” their water following the lifting of a boil water notice in order to clear plumbing of potentially contaminated water. Flushing your household and building water lines includes interior and exterior faucets; showers; water and ice dispensers; water treatment units, etc. Please use the following guidance:
Cold Water Faucets:
Run tap water until the water feels cold, one minute or more, before drinking, brushing teeth, or using for food preparation. If you have a single-lever faucet, set it to run the cold water first.
Hot Water Faucets:
To clear hot-water pipes and water heater of untreated water, flush the hot water line for a minimum of 15 minutes for a typical household 40-gallon hot-water tank, 30 minutes for an 80-gallon hot water tank or larger. Hot water is then safe to use for hand-washing of dishes, pots and pans, etc. Never use water from the “hot” faucet for drinking, cooking, or other internal consumption purposes.
Dishwashers:
After flushing hot water pipes and water heater, run dishwasher empty one time.
Humidifiers:
Discard any water used in humidifiers, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), oral, medical, or health care devices, and rinse the device with clean water.
Food and Baby Formula:
Discard baby formula and any other food and drink prepared with tap water during the boil water notice. If unsure of the exact dates, contact your water department.
Refrigerator Water-Dispensing Machine:
Water dispensers from refrigerators should be flushed by at least one quart of water. If unsure of your dispenser’s capacity, refer to manufacturer specifications.
Ice Cubes:
Automatic ice dispensers should be emptied of ice made during the boil water order and run through a 24-hour cycle, discarding the ice to assure purging of the icemaker water supply line.
For medical, dental, and food-service establishments, please refer to the guidance from the Vermont Department of Health: https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/ENV FL boil-water notice-guidance.pdf