The Falmouth Water Department in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has lifted the Boil Water order for the entire Town of Falmouth. the most recent analytical data has indicated that the complete schedule of water samples was free of total coliform and E-Coli for two consecutive days as required. Having met this standard, the Massachusetts Department of environmental Protection has determined that the water is safe for consumption in the Falmouth community.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR POST-BOIL ORDER
Residents are advised to “flush” their water following the lifting of the boil order in order 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.
Please follow these guidelines:
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.) When in doubt, throw it out!
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. Discard any ice cubes made manually, wash dispenser and refill.
Water Treatment Devices: Some types of water treatment devices and filtration systems may need to be disinfected and flushed to remove any contaminated water. Some types of water treatment devices may need to be disinfected or replaced before being used. If in doubt, discard used filter and replace with new filter. Check with the manufacturer for details.
Due to the flushing of the lines by residents and the flushing of the hydrants, some customers may experience a lack of water pressure and/or discolored water. However, this is an expected result and does not pose a health risk. Contact the Water Department at 508-457-2543 if you have any questions.
The information for the post Boil‐Order instructions are provided by The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services Department of Public Health.
For more information, visit the Town of Falmouth website.
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