Parts of Allegheny and all of Washington County are under a water boil advisory. Here are a few tips from your local Appliance Guy...
It is safe to use your dishwasher if you have a sanitizing cycle on it.
Shut off all ice makers by lifting the armor your ice maker, or turning it off on your control panel. Throw away all ice, and throw away the next 3 batches once the advisory has been lifted and it is safe to consume tap water again. If you have a coffee maker and it is plumbed direct, do not use it until the advisory has been lifted. (You can turn off this feature on some brands and use bottled water instead.)
If you have a Franke "Little Butler" filtering system, it is safe to drink water from it. Franke filters bacteria, lead and other harmful particles.
Please feel free to ask any questions, or stop in for a Franke Filtering system or a new dishwasher with a sanitizing cycle at any of our Don's Appliances locations.
Here are some questions and answers from the CDC's website:https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency
Can I use my coffee maker, ice machine, or water or soda dispenser?
Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water lines. This includes the water and ice dispensers in your refrigerator/freezer. Most kitchen and other household water filters typically do not remove or kill all bacteria or viruses.
• Use boiled or bottled water to make coffee and ice.
• Most kitchen and other household water filters typically do not remove or kill all bacteria or viruses.
• When the boil water advisory is lifted, consult the owner’s manual to find out how to sanitize appliances.
Can I use ice from my refrigerator/freezer?
• Do not use ice from ice trays, ice dispensers, or ice makers.
• Throw out all ice made with tap water.
• Make new ice with boiled or bottled water.
What should I do about preparing food and beverages? How should I wash fruit, vegetables, and food preparation surfaces?
• Wash fruits and vegetables with boiled water that has cooled or bottled water.
• Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute before adding food to cook.
• Use boiled water when preparing drinks, such as coffee, tea, and lemonade.
• Wash food preparation surfaces with boiled water.
What should I do about feeding my baby?
Breastfeeding is best. Continue to breastfeed. If breastfeeding is not an option:
• Use ready-to-use baby formula, if possible.
• Prepare powdered or concentrated baby formula with bottled water. Use boiled water if you do not have bottled water. Disinfect water for baby formula if you cannot boil your water (see above for directions on how to use bleach to disinfect water).
• Wash and sterilize bottles and nipples before use.
• If you cannot sterilize bottles, try to use single-serve, ready-to-feed bottles.
How do I wash dishes during a Boil Water Advisory?
Household dishwashers generally are safe to use if the water reaches a final rinse temperature of at least 150°F or if the dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle.
To wash dishes by hand:
• Wash and rinse the dishes as you normally would using hot water.
• In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water.
• Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least 1 minute.
• Let the dishes air dry completely.
I already drank the water. Will I get sick?
Most people who happen to drink this water will not get sick. If you do get sick, the symptoms are similar to food poisoning: nausea, diarrhea, cramps, and possibly a mild fever.
What should I do if I have symptoms?
The most important thing to do is avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid drinks with caffeine, such as soda, coffee, and tea. If you are concerned about your health or the health of a family member, contact your health care provider or [local health department].
Should I give my pets boiled water?
Pets can get some of the same diseases as people. It is a good idea to give them boiled water that has been cooled.
Do I need to worry about my fish or aquatic pets (e.g., reptiles, frogs)?
Most germs that infect people do not infect reptiles or fish. If your water system is using more chlorine or changing disinfection, be cautious about changing the water in your fish tank or aquarium. Contact your local pet store or veterinarian for more advice.
Is it safe to water my garden and house plants?
You can use tap water for household plants and gardens.
What [microbe, organisms, germs, bacteria] might be in the water?
Many types of microbes could be in the water. Water systems are concerned about bacteria such as E. coli, viruses such as norovirus, and parasites such as Cryptosporidium.
Human illness from these microbes is usually caused by eating raw or undercooked food, ingesting contaminated recreational or other untreated water, or poor hand-washing. Diarrheal illness from these microbes is not usually life threatening, except in the elderly, the very young, or those with weak immune systems. If you are concerned, consult your health care provider or contact [local health department].
Can I use tap water to brush my teeth?
No. Do not use untreated tap water to brush your teeth. Use boiled or bottled water.
Is it safe to take a shower or bath?
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.
What about shaving?
Yes, you can shave as usual.
What about doing laundry?
Yes, it is safe to do laundry as usual.
Where can I get more information?
• Personal Preparation and Storage of Safe Water: CDC provides guidance on the amount of water needed for good health, as well as how to prepare and store safe water before and during an emergency.
• Hygiene and Handwashing: CDC provides guidance on alternative hygienic practices when water is not available or is contaminated.
• A Guide to Water Filters: CDC maintains a guide for filters that remove Cryptosporidium or Giardia.
• EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791