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Frequently Asked Questions
About Disaster
Preparedness and Your Water
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I have a water purifier. Do I
still need to purify my water during a boil order? YES! Most home
water treatment systems have not been designed to treat turbid, contaminated
drinking water. The filter can become clogged quickly reducing fixture output or
overloading the filter, and providing no protection against bacteria and viruses
in the water. |
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How do I purify
water with chlorine?
Strain the water through a coffee filter
or cheesecloth to remove dirt and other particles. Fill a gallon container with
the contaminated water and 1/8 teaspoon (16 drops) of pure, unscented household
chlorine bleach. Let this stand for 30 minutes before use. If the water is still
cloudy after 30 minutes you may add an additional 1/8 teaspoon of bleach. Let
stand for another 30 minutes. If still cloudy after the second treatment, do not
drink the water.
Do not use more chlorine bleach or Iodine than recommended. Excessive amounts
can be poisonous! |
Is there a hidden supply of
water in my home?
If all of your water supplies are gone and no boil order has been issued, you
may be able to find water in several locations. Water can be drained from the
drain spout of a water heater. Be sure the electricity and/or gas are off before
opening the drain. Drain the water into a disinfected storage container.
Sometimes water can be drained from the pipes inside your home even though no
water is running from the faucets. Start by opening a faucet on the top floor of
your home. Next, go to the faucet at the lowest point of your home. Open the
faucet and drain out any available water into a disinfected storage container.
You can also use water from the reserve tank on your toilet as long as no
chemicals (toilet bowl cleaners) have been added to the tank. |
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Can I brush my
teeth with contaminated water? Can my pets drink contaminated water?
No. Use boiled or bottled water.
Can I take a bath
or shower with contaminated water?
Yes, but avoid swallowing any water. |
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Can I purify
water with iodine? Yes,
water can be purified with iodine, but remember, the safest way to purify water
is by boiling it. If you do choose to use iodine, you can purchase the tablets
at a sporting goods or drug store. Add two tablets of iodine per one quart of
water. Allow the tablets to dissolve and mix with the water in a disinfected
container. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes before use. |
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What are the best
types of containers for storing water?
Use clean plastic or glass containers such as canning jars or soft drink bottles
that have tight fitting screw caps. Do not use milk cartons or bottles - they do
not seal well. Remember to disinfect the container before every refill. |
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A boil order has
been issued, but water is still available from my faucet. Is it safe to drink?
My water has been off and there has been a boil order. Now the water is running.
Can I start drinking it now?
No! Just because the water is running, the water may not necessarily be safe to
drink. A boil order will be cancelled by public notice when the San Diego County
Department of Health Services has determined that the water
quality has been restored. |
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The boil order
has been cancelled. Do I need to do anything special before I resume using tap
water? Yes,
you will need to flush your plumbing system. Start by turning on your landscape
irrigation system and let it run for 15 minutes. You will also want to run each
faucet in your home for at least two minutes. Your system is now ready for
normal use. |