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Tap water may be used to thaw food in a preparation sink, as long as the product is cooked afterward and reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If possible, thaw food in a refrigerator instead of using tap water.

No. Discard ice made from tap water. All ice, including bagged ice, must be from an approved source (e.g. purchased ice).

Discontinue the use of produce misters during a boil water advisory. 

Yes, however sanitizing solutions must be 50-200 parts per million chlorine and tested routinely with test strips.

No, discontinue the use of a dipper well for the duration of a boil water advisory.

Coffee and other hot drinks must reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before drinking. If not, use boiled and cooled water to prepare hot beverages.

Do not consume mixed beverages containing tap water during a boil water advisory. This includes soda dispensers connected to a water supply. Substitute mixed beverages with canned or bottled. Discontinue the use of drinking water fountains and other plumbing fixtures used to provide drinking water. 

For reportable SSOs, Prince William Water posts on its website, Facebook and X. Signs in English and Spanish are placed at SSO sites, warning of potential illness for at least seven days. 

Prince William Water has invested in sewer improvements to prevent SSOs, including cleaning and maintaining the system:

• Rehabilitating and replacing broken or leaking lines to reduce storm water and groundwater infiltration into the sanitary sewer.  
• Upgrading or expanding sewer lines and pump stations.  
• Increasing sewage treatment capacity and improving plant dependability.  
• Removing fat, oil and grease (FOG) buildup from sewer systems.  
• Educating the public on how household goods like FOG and wipes can block sewer pipes. 

Unfortunately, overflows cannot be prevented entirely. The EPA indicates that “a few SSOs may be unavoidable. Unavoidable SSOs include those occurring from unpreventable vandalism, some types of blockages, extreme rainstorms, and acts of nature such as earthquakes or floods.”