In the event of  a boil water advisory is issued for your location, all food service operations and retail food establishments must secure and use potable water from an approved source, e.g., from tank trucks or bottled water. In an emergency, water under a boil advisory may be disinfected by either chlorination or boiling.

During a boil advisory, the following are water uses that should be considered (but not limited to):

• Coffee, tea, or other beverages made in the facility
• Direct-feed coffee urns plumbed directly into the water system
• Post-mix soda or beverage machines
• Ice machines
• Thawing frozen foods under running water
• Employee hand washing
• Washing of cooking equipment and utensils
• Water used in 3-compartment sinks
• Washing of fruits and vegetables

How to Disinfect Water

As a temporary measure, water from contaminated sources can be disinfected through chlorination or boiling.

Boiling Method

The water may be purified by boiling. In this method, bring the water to a full boil for at least five  minutes. Cool and aerate the boiled water by pouring it through the air from one container to another or mixing rapidly with a clean utensil. Aeration will reduce the flat taste caused by boiling.

Chlorination Method

Chlorine bleaches are inexpensive and can be obtained from most grocery, discount, or drug stores. Check the label on the bottle to make sure it indicates the solution is 5.25% Sodium Hypochlorite with no additional active ingredients.

For clear water: Add 2 drops per quart (8 drops per gallon)
For cloudy water: Add 4 drops per quart (16 drops per gallon)

• Wait 30 minutes after adding chlorine before using the water for drinking or cooking purposes.
• If this treatment does not give the water a taste of chlorine, the above quantities should be doubled.
• The taste of chlorine is not particularly unpleasant, and it will be evidence that the water is safe to drink.

Tips for Minimizing Water Usage

Food operations may consider the following alternative procedures to minimize water usage during a boil advisory:

• Commercially packaged ice may be substituted for ice made on-site
• Single-service items or disposable utensils may be substituted for reusable dishes and utensils
• Prepared foods from approved sources may be used in place of complex on-site preparations
• Bottled water and drinks
• Restrict menu choices
• Restrict hours of operation
• Portable toilets may be utilized for sanitary purposes

What to Do After the Boil Advisory

After the water emergency is officially lifted, these precautionary measures must be followed:

1. Flush the building water lines and clean the faucet screens, water line strainers on mechanical dishwashing machines, and similar equipment.
2. Flush and sanitize all water-using fixtures and appliances of standing water such as ice machines, beverage dispensers, water heaters, etc.
3. Clean and sanitize all fixtures, sinks, and equipment connected to water lines.

In a food operation, there must be water pressure before resuming operations.

Questions?

If you have any questions during the water emergency regarding appropriate food operation procedures, please contact Clermont County Public Health at (513) 732-7499.