What to Do When a Boil Water Notice is Lifted
What to Do When a Boil Water Notice is Lifted
When the Boil Notice is lifted, steps must be taken prior to the re-issuance of the permit. The guidance for water using fixtures and equipment will vary depending on contamination of the water supply. A system wide contamination will require more aggressive remediation of water using equipment than an isolated contamination of the water supply. Guidance for post event cleaning should be provided to licensed facilities also.
A food establishment that was ordered or otherwise required to cease operations may not re¬open until authorization has been granted by the regulatory authority.
After either the municipality or regulatory authority has provided notice that the water supply is safe to use, the operator must verify the following has been completed:
- Flush pipes/faucets: follow the directions of your water utility (in the newspaper, radio, or television) or, as general guidance, run cold water faucets for at least 5 minutes.
- Equipment with water line connections such as post-mix beverage machines, spray misters, coffee or tea urns, ice machines, glass washers, dishwashers, and other equipment with water connections must be flushed, cleaned, and sanitized in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Any beverages or ice made prior to the boil water notice must be discarded and the first cycle of ice or beverage made post cleaning should also be discarded.
- Flush hot water heater per manufacturer's instructions
- Flush drinking fountains: run continuously for 5 minutes.
- Replace water filter cartridges per manufacturer's instructions
Additional guidance, including handouts and detailed information about ice machine cleaning can be found in the Environmental Health Emergency Preparedness and Recovery Guidance Manual. Please contact your Regional Environmental Health Specialist if you have questions regarding permitting action and post event guidance.