When Should I Boil My Water?

Sometimes unforeseen complications arise, and the safety of your drinking water becomes compromised. In moments like this, it’s important to take precautionary measures to protect your health. Contaminated water, especially when you don’t know it, can quickly make you and your family sick. 

In these cases, a boil-water notice usually goes into effect. Boiling water is a great way to purify your drinking water if it becomes contaminated and you have no other way to filter your water source. We’ll help you understand when you should boil your water, for how long, and everything you need to know to keep your water supply safe. 

When Should I Boil My Water?

Boiling your water shouldn’t be your everyday method of purifying it. However, problems can occur unexpectedly, and your drinking water’s safety can be compromised. 

In Florida, various issues can make water unsafe to drink, so it is important to know how they happen and how to watch for them. If your water becomes contaminated, or there is probable cause for it, boil it before drinking. Here are the most common reasons you may need to boil your well water: 

 

• Hurricanes are common in Florida, and they can quickly contaminate your water source. With the excess rain and wind from hurricanes, flooding and runoff are typical. This unpurified water can seep into your water source and contaminate it entirely.
• Sinkholes don’t occur very often; however, Florida is prone to them. If a sinkhole occurs near your water source, it is important to have it tested and purified before drinking. Sinkholes can cause wastewater to leak from pipes and runoff that could seep into your water supply.
• Florida, especially northern Florida, is pretty big on farming. Having your well near dairy or livestock, though, can be dangerous, as animal waste can seep into the ground and contaminate drinking water.
• Algal blooms can occur in Florida for several reasons, and some algae can be toxic. If you notice algae growth of any color in your water source or surrounding waterways, your water could be contaminated.

With regular testing and a water filtration system, you can keep your water supply safe. If something has happened that may lead to water contamination, your county should issue a boil-water notice. You can find a list of current boil-water notices in Florida on the Florida Health website.

How Long Do You Need to Boil Water Before It’s Drinkable?

According to the CDC, for best boil-water safety, keep the water at a rolling boil for at least one minute before letting it cool to drink. It should be at a rolling boil, meaning it’s not just a few bubbles. The water’s surface should be moving turbulently and constantly. You’ll know it’s a rolling boil when stirring it does not disrupt the boiling. 

Is Boiled Water 100% Safe for Drinking?

Boiling water is almost completely effective against biological contaminants such as bacteria; however, that doesn’t mean it’s 100% safe. Boiled water may still contain chemicals and contaminants that boiling doesn’t remove. However, if there’s a boil water advisory, it’s usually because they suspect bacteria to be the cause. Even if it’s not 100% effective, it’s one of the best ways to make contaminated drinking water safer. If you want complete protection and have access to a store, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends bottled water in emergencies or for contaminated water.

Is It OK to Drink Boiled Water Every Day?

While boiling water every day isn’t a risk to your health, it’s not the best solution. You shouldn’t rely solely on boiling your drinking water unless you have no other choice. Water is necessary for sustaining life, so it is important to keep your water clean at all times. Instead, you can install various water purifiers and filters to ensure your water is safe. Having a professional company treat your water is another great way to make sure it is safe to drink. At Perry’s Pump Repair, we provide well water testing and install water treatment systems to keep your water clean.

Is It Better to Boil or Microwave Water?

If there’s a boil water notice, you should always boil your water over the stove, not in the microwave. The microwave can heat water inconsistently, and you have less visibility into whether it has actually reached a rolling boil. A stove provides a more controlled heating process, giving you full visibility into the boil and helping you reach the levels you need for safety. 

What Is the Healthiest Form of Water to Drink?

While there’s no such thing as the “healthiest” form of water as long as it’s clean drinking water, reverse osmosis filtration can get you close to completely contaminant-free water. It not only removes dangerous bacteria, but also heavy metals and chemicals that may end up in your well water. In fact, reverse osmosis can remove as much as 98% of contaminants, making it one of the purest forms of water you can have for your home. However, if a boil water notice is in effect, we recommend following it, even if you have a reverse osmosis filtration system. 

Perry’s  Pump Repair Helps Protect Your Home’s Water

If your water well ever experiences any issues, don’t hesitate to have the problem fixed. Perry’s Pump Repair offers filtration systems, water treatments, city water testing, and more to keep your water supply safe. By regularly investing in these water safety services, you can help protect your family’s health. If you’re in the Alachua County area, contact the Perry’s Pump Repair team—we’ll find the best plan to keep your water supply safe year-round.