Emergency Dispatch
Please call our Emergency Dispatch to report problems such as water main breaks and service outages.
Boil Water Advisories
During emergencies or events affecting water safety, Prince William Water may issue boil water advisory. This precautionary measure aims to protect your health by addressing potential risks such as harmful microorganisms, drops in water pressure, or infrastructure issues like equipment failures and floods. Boiling tap water is a simple yet effective way to eliminate microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, ensuring that your water is safe to consume.
During a boil water advisory, you should follow specific guidelines to safeguard your health. Boil tap water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, or preparing beverages like coffee and tea. Additionally, water used for washing vegetables, brushing teeth, or any water that might be swallowed should also be boiled. If you have a water treatment device at home, remember that it may not remove harmful microorganisms, so boiling the water remains necessary.
It is essential to stay informed during a boil water advisory and follow recommendations from local authorities. While waiting for confirmation that tap water is safe to drink again, consider using bottled water as a convenient alternative. Bottled water from a reliable source can be used for all purposes where boiled tap water is recommended. However, if you cannot boil your tap water due to a power outage or other reasons, there are alternative methods to ensure its safety. These may include using liquid household bleach to disinfect tap water or utilizing water purification tablets according to the manufacturer's instructions.
During boil water advisories, schools and food service establishments must adhere to specific guidelines to maintain safety standards. Handwashing should be done with warm tap water and soap, followed by a liquid hand sanitizer as an additional step. When preparing food, ensure that a minimum internal temperature of 165°F is reached, or use boiled water. Utensils must be washed and sanitized properly, with dishwashers reaching appropriate temperatures. Discontinue the use of drinking water fountains and produce misters during advisories.
If you experience illness during a boil water advisory, consult your healthcare provider, and inform them about the advisory. Vulnerable individuals, such as those with weakened immune systems, should seek advice from their healthcare providers regarding drinking water safety. Remember to continue boiling tap water until you receive confirmation that it is safe to drink again. By following these precautions and guidelines, you can help protect yourself and your family during boil water advisories, ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water.
