Boil water order lifted, but taps must be flushed before drinking
Massachusetts state officials have lifted the boil water order that had been in effect since Saturday's water main rupture in Weston, Mass. Before consuming tap water, though, taps need to be "flushed" in order clear plumbing of potentially contaminated water. Students living off-campus in Waltham, or those living in residence halls that have kitchens, including Ridgewood, Village, Charles River, Foster Mods and 567 South St., should follow the directions below to flush their taps. University facilities staff are currently working to flush the plumbing for all other residence halls and other campus buildings, and we will notify the university community when campus tap water is safe for drinking; until that time, however, you should continue to consume only pre-boiled or bottled water. Clean drinking water is also available in Sherman and Usdan Dining, as well as the Shapiro Campus Center and POD Store in Usdan, during this time.
- Cold Water Faucets: Run tap water until the water feels cold, one 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.
- Due to the flushing of the lines by residents and the flushing of the hydrants, some households may experience a lack of water pressure and/or discolored water. However, this is an expected result and does not pose a health risk
