Toledo Boil Advisory (2024)

FAQs

What happens if you brush your teeth during a Boil Water Advisory? ›

A boil water advisory is a public health measure that suggests the possibility of bacterial contamination in the water system, making the water unsafe to drink tap water without boiling it first, according to the Centers for Disease Control. It is NOT safe to use contaminated water to brush your teeth!

Even if someone has consumed potentially contaminated water before they were aware of the boil water advisory, the likelihood of becoming ill is low. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, with or without fever, should contact their healthcare provider.

Yes, it is safe to take a bath or shower, but be careful not to swallow any water. Use caution when bathing babies and young children. Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water. During a boil order, can I wash dishes using tap water?

Our water is safe to drink.

Hundreds of water quality tests are performed each day at the Collins Park Water Treatment Plant by certified chemists who are on duty around the clock to ensure our drinking water meets or exceeds all water quality standards.

Is potentially contaminated water safe for bathing and shaving? The water may be used for showering, baths, shaving and washing, as long as it is not swallowed or gets in the eyes, nose or mouth.

In many cases, you can use tap water and soap to wash hands during a boil water advisory. Follow the guidance from your local public health officials. Be sure to scrub your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Then, rinse them well under running water.

If you don't have safe bottled water, you should boil your water to make it safe to drink. Boiling is the surest method to kill disease-causing germs, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. adding a pinch of salt for each quart or liter of boiled water.

Usually the chance of becoming ill from consuming potentially contaminated water during a boil water event is low. However, illness is possible, especially for people that have a chronic illness or may be immunocompromised. This is why boil water events are initiated.

Bring water to a FULL ROLLING BOIL for 1 MINUTE, then allow the water to COOL BEFORE USE. Because water may take 30 minutes to cool, plan ahead.

If your dishwasher has a hot/sani-cycle, then it can be used during a Boil Water Advisory because it will still safely disinfect dishes.

Can I wash my face during a boil advisory? ›

If there's a boil water advisory in place, it just means that water has to be boiled for it to be safe for consumption. Consumption includes washing your face. Feel free to wash your face with water that has already been boiled and cooled off for drinking/hygiene purposes.

Water Filters

You should boil your tap water even if it is filtered. Most kitchen and other household water filters do not remove bacteria or viruses. Filters collect germs from water, so all water filters should be replaced after the advisory has been lifted.

These blue-green algae are the most common HAB in Lake Erie and it releases Microsystin – a known liver toxin harmful to humans and animals. So yes, boiling the water would kill the Microcystis algae but would not destroy the Microsystin toxin released by the algae.

The Toledo municipal water supply has been infected with a toxin called microcystin produced from blue green algae (cyanobacteria) present in massive amounts in Lake Erie. The green color of the algae can be seen from outer space.

We are responsible for the effective production, filtration, and quality control of water for the City of Toledo. Responsibility starts at the source of raw water, Lake Erie, and extends throughout the treatment process. We operate and maintain the largest water softening plant on Lake Erie.

If your dishwasher has a hot/sani-cycle, then it can be used during a Boil Water Advisory because it will still safely disinfect dishes.

Hot beverages can cause tooth enamel to be more susceptible to staining. If you are coming in from outside and it's very cold, drinking a hot beverage can even lead to micro cracks in your enamel. This can also cause increased sensitivity and even tooth pain if not properly managed.

Place your toothbrush in boiling water for about 2–3 minutes. Boiling kills most germs.