What you can and can’t do under a boil water advisory, explained
ClickOnDetroit | WDIV Local 4 • • nation
Key Points:
- A water main burst on May 10 in Oakland County has led to boil water advisories for several areas including Orion Township, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, and Oakland Township, with restrictions on nonessential water use.
- The 42-inch main, installed in 1975 and expected to last 100 years, was replaced on May 11, but flushing and water testing will continue through the following week with no set completion date.
- Under the boil water advisory, residents must boil water before drinking, brushing teeth, washing dishes, making ice, or preparing food; dishwashing requires special sanitizing procedures either through high-temperature dishwasher cycles or bleach solutions.
- While bathing and showering with tap water is allowed, precautions should be taken to avoid swallowing water, especially for vulnerable individuals, and water use for activities like watering lawns and washing cars is restricted.
- Officials emphasize careful water use during the advisory period, advising residents to follow guidelines to ensure safety until water quality testing confirms the system is secure.