Boil Water Advisory / Notice

Boil Water Advisory / Notice

Boil Water Advisory:

  • Purpose: A Boil Water Advisory is issued to advise customers to boil tap water before drinking. This precaution is taken when an event occurs that could potentially compromise the water distribution system, such as a water main break, significant loss of system pressure, sewage overflow, or a natural disaster.
  • Implication: An advisory does not confirm that the water is contaminated but indicates a potential risk. Since the water quality is uncertain, customers should assume it may be unsafe and take appropriate precautions, such as boiling the water. While issuing an advisory is not required by DHEC (Department of Health and Environmental Control), we choose to err on the side of caution to protect our customers.

Boil Water Notice:

  • Purpose: A Boil Water Notice is issued when contamination in the water system has been confirmed. During this notice, it is mandatory for all customers to boil their water before using it for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth, or to use bottled water.
  • Implication: A notice is a more serious measure than an advisory. It requires immediate action to ensure the safety of the water and protect public health.

Customer Notification

Depending on the circumstances, we will notify our customers of a Boil Water Advisory or Notice through one or more of the following means:

  • Door-to-door/door hangers
  • Local news outlets
  • Our website
  • Our phone system
  • Electronic signs
  • Direct calls/emails and/or text messages. (For this method to work, we must have a current, active phone number on file for you.)

Precautions for Customers During a Boil Water Advisory or Notice

A boil water notice indicates that local water supplies have been confirmed as contaminated. To ensure the safety of the water in your home or food service establishment, please take the following precautions:

Boil tap water vigorously for at least one full minute before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, making ice, washing raw foods, preparing drinks, or providing water to pets. The one-minute countdown should begin once the water starts bubbling. After boiling, allow the water to cool and store it in the refrigerator for later use.

Duration of a Boil Water Advisory or Notice

An advisory or notice will remain in effect until test samples show the water is safe to drink. Testing for bacteria normally requires about 24 hours to complete, depending on the type of test used. As a result, advisories and notices will be in effect for at least 18-24 hours.

Notification of Boil Water Advisory or Notice Ending

We will inform you when the boil water advisory or notice has ended using the same communication method we used to notify you of its implementation. At that time, we will also provide any additional instructions or information. Please assume that the advisory or notice remains in effect until you receive further confirmation from us.

Once the advisory is lifted . . .

We recommend flushing household pipes, ice makers, water fountains, etc. before using them for drinking or cooking. Flushing involves letting the water run to ensure no contaminated water remains in your pipes:

  • Run all cold water faucets in your home for one minute.
  • Run drinking water fountains for one minute.
  • Flush automatic ice makers by making and discarding three batches of ice.
  • Run water softeners through a complete regeneration cycle.
  • Run water coolers with direct water connections for five minutes.

    Food Service Establishments

    • Stop using all appliances and equipment that require water, such as dish machines, ice machines, fountainheads, drinking fountains, tea brewers and coffee makers.
    • Use disposable paper, plastic or foam plates, cups, forks, etc.
    • Prepare food using water that has been boiled.
    • Wash your hands with water that has been boiled and cooled.
    • Wash, rinse and sanitize pots, pans and other equipment with water that has been boiled and cooled.

    Note: Food service establishments in South Carolina must follow these steps when a boil water notice is issued in their area. If you are unable to comply and have no alternative options, such as using bottled water or modifying your menu to eliminate the need for water, you must cease all food service operations until the water supply is declared safe by us or DHEC. For more information, please visit SCDHEC Boil Water Emergencies.