***** WATER EMERGENCY UPDATE *****

Residents should flush household plumbing before resuming regular water use

Today, the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) has notified Mayor Thomas M. Menino that as of 3:30am this morning the drinking water in the City of Boston is safe for consumption. Residents and businesses must flush their household plumbing by running water for at least 1 minute before resuming regular use.

“I would like to thank the residents of Boston, the city’s emergency responders, and our local leaders for their cooperation and collaboration during this water emergency,” said Mayor Menino. “We have once again shown that Boston is a strong and resilient community that works together to get through a crisis.”

The MWRA is advising residents to “flush” their water. Flushing your household and building water lines includes interior and exterior faucets, showers, water and ice dispensers, and water treatment units. Residents are encouraged to consider the following advice:

INSTRUCTIONS FOR POST-BOIL ORDER

Residents are advised to “flush” their water to clear plumbing of potentially contaminated water. Flushing your household and building water lines includes interior and exterior faucets; showers; water and ice dispensers; water treatment units, etc.

Cold Water Faucets: Run tap water until the water feels cold, 1 minute or more, before drinking, tooth brushing, or using for food preparation.

Hot Water Faucets: To clear hot water pipes and water heater of untreated water, turn on all hot water faucets and flush for a minimum of 15 minutes for a typical household 40-gallon hot water tank and 30 minutes for an 80-gallon hot water tank or larger. Never use water from the “hot” faucet for drinking, cooking, or other internal-consumption purposes. After this flushing, hot water is then safe to use for washing hands, and for hand-washing of dishes, pots and pans, etc.

Refrigerators: Water dispensers from refrigerators should be flushed by at least one quart of water.

Dishwashers: After flushing hot water pipes and water heater, run dishwasher empty one time.

Humidifiers: Discard any water used in humidifiers, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), oral, medical or health care devices, and rinse the device with clean water.

Food and baby formula: Be sure you have discarded any baby formula or other foods prepared with water on the days of the boil order. (If unsure of the dates contact your water Department.)

Ice cubes: Automatic ice dispensers should be emptied of ice made during the boil order. Then, discard ice made over an additional 24 hour period to assure complete purging of the water supply line.

Boston residents with questions or concerns should call the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at (617) 635-4500 or through our website www.cityofboston.gov which will have extra staff on hand to help assist with. Additional information is also available on cityofboston.gov.