7/27/2026 – Boil Water Advisory – Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does this Boil Water Advisory from Well No. 4 effect me?
A. If you have water service from the HMUA you are effected by the Boil Water Advisory. All HMUA Wells pump to the common distribution system and service the entire distribution area.
Q. What if I have already consumed potentially contaminated water?
A. The likelihood of becoming ill is low. However, illness is certainly possible, especially for people that have a chronic illness or may be immunocompromised. This is why boil water advisories are issued. Anyone experiencing symptoms of gastroenteritis, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, with or without fever, should seek medical attention. These symptoms are not unique to exposure to potential contaminants/organisms in the water, and a doctor’s involvement is key to identifying the cause of your illness. If your doctor suspects a waterborne illness, you may be asked to provide blood and/or stool samples.
Q. Can I brush my teeth with the water without boiling it?
A. No. Any water you ingest or place in your mouth should be disinfected by boiling (and then cooled) or come from an alternate source, such as bottled water.
Q. Is the water safe for bathing and shaving?
A. Your water may be used by healthy individuals for showering, bathing, shaving, and washing if care is taken not to swallow water and avoid shaving nicks.
Q. How should I wash my hands during a boil water advisory?
A. Generally, vigorous hand washing with soap and your tap water is safe for basic personal hygiene. If you are washing your hands to prepare food, you should use boiled (then cooled) water, bottled water, or water from another acceptable source for hand washing.
Q. Is potentially contaminated water safe for washing clothes?
A. Yes, unless a “Do Not Use” notification has been issued, it is safe to wash clothes in tap water if the clothes are completely dried before being worn. However, increased turbidity that sometimes occurs during a boil water event may discolor clothing, especially whites.
Q. Is the water safe to give to my pet?
A. To be certain, give them water that has been boiled then cooled or water from an acceptable alternate source. Many pets are exposed to a variety of pathogens; and therefore, may be more resistant. However, many pets are vulnerable to the same diseases that humans can get from contaminated water and can spread these diseases into the environment or pass them on to their owners. More specific information may be available from your veterinarian, based on the actual animal and conditions for the boil water advisory.
Q. Does a boil water advisory affect how I can use my toilets?
A. There is no need to disinfect water used for flushing.