Boil Water Advisories

The City of Waterloo issues boil water advisories to notify you that our water supply is unsafe to drink.

How to treat water

There are a number of ways you can make tap water safe to drink while a boil water advisory is in effect.

• Boil water in a pot for at least one minute. Or choose a kettle with an automatic shutoff feature and make sure the cord is not bare or frayed. Improve the flat taste by pouring the water from one container into another or by letting it stand for a few hours.
• Chlorinate water by adding 1¼ millilitres (¼ teaspoon) of liquid household bleach, such as Javex, that is not lemon-scented or fabric-safe to 4½ litres (one gallon) of water. Mix well and let stand for 15 minutes. This treatment will not kill parasites.

Treated water should be stored in food-grade containers and refrigerated. Use it within three days. Alternatives to treating your water include bottled water or municipal water if you are on a well.

After the advisory

The Region of Waterloo's public health department will lift the boil water advisory when the water is safe. At that time, there are a few things you should do around your home.

• Run cold water from your faucets for one minute before using the water
• Run your water softener through a regeneration cycle
• Drain and refill hot-water heaters set below 45 C (normal setting is 60 C)
• Flush all garden hoses by running cold water through them for one minute
• Backwash pool filters and change media or water

More information

http://www.waterloo.ca/en/living/boilwateradvisories.asp

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Topic 2:

The claim has the ring of a myth. But environmental scientists say it is real.

The reason is that hot water dissolves contaminants more quickly than cold water, and many pipes in homes contain lead that can leach into water. And lead can damage the brain and nervous system, especially in young children.

Lead is rarely found in source water, but can enter it through corroded plumbing. The Environmental Protection Agency says that older homes are more likely to have lead pipes and fixtures, but that even newer plumbing advertised as “lead-free” can still contain as much as 8 percent lead. A study published in The Journal of Environmental Health in 2002 found that tap water represented 14 to 20 percent of total lead exposure.

Scientists emphasize that the risk is small. But to minimize it, the E.P.A. says cold tap water should always be used for preparing baby formula, cooking and drinking. It also warns that boiling water does not remove lead but can actually increase its concentration. More information is at www.epa.gov/lead or (800) 424-5323 (LEAD).

THE BOTTOM LINE
Hot water from the tap should never be used for cooking or drinking.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/29/health/29real.html?_r=0


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Topic 3:
http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/archive/index.php/t-223695.html

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Note: Boiling is a useful method for killing bacteria and other living organisms during emergencies,
but is not recommended for long-term use. Boiling may kill germs, but dirt, sediment, dissolved
solids, bad taste or odor remain – as well as possible chemical contamination and acidity