Boil Order Advisory Q&A
What is a Boil Order
A Boil Order is issued when either recent testing has shown the presence of organisms that could cause illness (e.g., fecal or E.coli bacteria), or technical/physical problems in the water system have significantly increased the possibility of bacterial contamination. Residents affected by a Boil Order Advisory will be notified via Blackboard, a call system that issues an email, text, or phone call, per the customer's preference. To sign up for Blackboard messages contact the Utility Clerk (740)-427-2061 utilityclerk@villageofgambier.org
What You Need To Do When A Boil Order Advisory Has Been Issued:
Boiling the water is the best way to ensure that it is free of illness-causing organisms. Bring water to a rolling boil for a minimum of two minutes. When it cools, refrigerate the water in clean containers. (A pinch of salt per quart may improve the rather “flat” taste of boiled water.)Buying bottled water may be a feasible alternative to boiling water.
A brief listing of what you should not use tap water for during a Boil Order would include:
Drinking, making ice cubes, brushing teeth, baby’s formula, washing fruits/vegetables, preparing food, coffee, tea, lemonade, etc..
It is acceptable to do laundry and water your grass or garden during a Boil Order.
When washing your hands during a Boil Order it is recommended that you wash your hands using soap and either bottled water or pre-boiled water. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer may also be used.
You may use a dishwasher if it has a sanitizing cycle during a Boil Order. If it does not have a sanitizing cycle, or you are not sure if it does, you may hand wash dishes and utensils by following these steps:
Wash the dishes as you normally would
As a final step, immerse the dishes for at least one minute in lukewarm water to which a teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water has been added.
Allow the dishes to completely air dry.
No devices, such as ice makers, water dispenser, etc. should be used during a Boil Order if they are directly connected to your water supply. Also, filters are unacceptable for removing bacteria.
Although pets are not normally affected by the same diseases as humans, caution suggests giving pets pre-boiled or bottled water.
Steps The Village Will Take To Inform You Of A Boil Order Advisory:
When a Boil Order Advisory is issued, the Village will make reasonable attempts to inform you of the advisory. You should remember where the notifications will be placed and keep yourself aware of new advisories. When a Boil Order is issued, the following attempts to notify you will be as follows:
If the area affected is a small area:
- Notices will be placed at the Community Center, the Post Office and on our Website.
- Door hangers will be placed at all properties affected by the Village Maintence Crew. You will be notified in this manner also when the advisory is lifted.
- Kenyon Grounds Department will be called if any Kenyon College buildings are in the advisory.
If the area affected is a large area or Village wide:
- Notices will be placed at the Community Center, Post Office, People’s Bank, Village Market, Kenyon Bookstore and our Website. The Mount Vernon News will also be notified if their operating hours makes it possible.
- If the advisory occurs during week-end hours, in addition to the above, the notice will also be placed on the answering machine of the Village Office.
- Kenyon Grounds Department will be called if any Kenyon College Buildings are in the advisory.
The Village understands that there may be residents who may not have access to all of the above forms of notification. However, the Village is making more attempts to notify the public than is required by the Ohio EPA. We are sorry for those that may miss the advisory notices attempts and ask that you please remember that when a Boil Order Advisory is issued the Village Maintenance Department is busy dealing with the problem that caused the advisory to be issued.
Please take it upon yourselves to stay informed of what is occuring in your neighborhood. If you see the Maintenance Department digging in an area, look for the notifications. If you have an elderly neighbor who may not receive the notice, please check on them. You are welcome to call the Village office and ask, at any time, if there is a current advisory. The Village does appreciate the community’s cooperation.