Frequently Asked Questions on the Water Main Break

The city just posted these answers to frequently asked questions on its website.

What is the issue and where is affected?

The City of Bethlehem Department of Water and Sewer Resources has issued a precautionary Boil Water Advisory for portions of North East Bethlehem and Freemansburg. This area includes a number of homes, businesses, schools and other facilities. They have all been notified regarding any needed measures of precaution, etc.

How long will the advisory be in place?

The advisory will be in place until it is officially lifted by the City of Bethlehem Department of Water and Sewer Resources. We will provide continuous updates on our website and through our local media.

What does the advisory mean?

It means that persons in the affected area should take precautions before drinking water from the public water supply system. The current advisory recommends that you boil all water before use. Water should be brought to a rolling boil for one minute and cooled before using. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and food preparation.

Is the water harmful?

• The advisory is precautionary; we have no reports of contamination and are performing all necessary water sample testing. 
• The pressure loss from the break has the potential to affect the quality of the water served by the main so following the recommended precautions will help prevent illness which can result from contaminated water.

What if I already consumed potentially contaminated water?

• The boil water advisory is precautionary and the likelihood of becoming ill is low. Anyone experiencing diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, with or without a fever should seek medical attention.

Can I wash my hands in the water?

• Yes, vigorous hand washing with soap and tap water is safe for basic personnel hygiene. 
• If you are/ or are caring for someone who is immunosuppressed, or have a chronic illness, you may want to consider using bottled or boiled water for all activities.

My water is discolored or has strange odor?

• Discolored water due to sedimentation poses no health hazard. 
• It is free from harmful bacteria and safe for all household uses, such as showering, cooking, flushing of toilets, etc. 
• You can drink the discolored water, but it may taste different.

Is potentially contaminated water safe for:

Bathing and shaving?
Yes, although every effort should be made to minimize the chance of ingestion.

Washing Dishes?
• Yes, rinse hand-washed dishes for a minute in a bleach solution (1 tablespoon per gallon of water). 
• Allow dishes to air dry.
• Most household dishwashers do not reach the proper temperature to sanitize dishes.

Ice?
• Ice should be made with boiled water or bottled water, or purchased from reputable supplier

Baby Formula?
• Recommendation is that you do not use discolored water to prepare baby formula.

Can I drink coffee or tea?
• Unless the water was boiled prior to being used for coffee it is not recommended as coffee machines usually get the water at near boiling temperatures and do not actually boil the water. 
• Water for tea should also be boiled prior to use.