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The Town of Chatham Water System is still under a boil advisory. All residents are urged to boil your water for at least one minute before consuming until further notice. This past Tuesday, December 21st, a boil advisory was issued after it was discovered there was a leak in a main water line that could have caused possible infiltration of contaminants in the line.

A boil advisory is not the same as a boil order. If a boil advisory is issued it is because there is the THREAT of contamination which may have allowed germs to enter into the drinking water. If a boil order is issued it is because it has been ascertained that the drinking water supply is tainted.

“We had a leak in one of the watermains that caused our drinking water to have the possibility of being contaminated resulting in a boil advisory being issued,” said Chatham Mayor, Gregory Harris. “Thanks to the diligence of our public works department the line was quickly repaired but as a precaution the boil advisory will remain in effect until we receive clearance from the state.”

Recommendations during a boil advisory

1. Use bottled water when possible for drinking, cooking or washing.
2. If bottled water is not available bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute. After boiling allow water to cool before use.
3. Boil tap water even if it is filtered.
4. Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water line such as ice water from a refrigerator.
5. When washing hands with tap water be sure to scrub with soap and water for at least 20 second.
6. When bathing be careful not to swallow any water
7. Brush teeth with bottled or boiled water
8. If possible use disposable plates, cups and utensils.
9. Household dishwashers are generally safe if water reaches a final rinse temp of 150 degrees Fahrenheit as long as the dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle.
10. When washing dishes by hand use hot water. Then in a separate basin add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of hot water. Soak rinsed dishes in solution for at least one minute and let dishes dry completely before use.
11. It is safe to wash clothes as usual.
12. Clean washable toys and surfaces with bottled, boiled water or water that has been disinfected with bleach.
13. Give pets bottled water or boiled water that has cooled
14. Tap water can be used for watering household plants and indoor gardens.

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