Boil water advisory: What you need to know

Here’s what you need to know about the boil advisory affecting thousands of Dayton and Montgomery County water customers:

If I am not sure, who do I call?

City of Dayton residents unsure if they are in the boil advisory area can call (937) 333-4905, and Montgomery County water customers can dial (937) 781-2678 to find out more information.

Why do I need to boil my water?

“To be cautious of the health of our population, an advisory is issued, as there can be contamination of the water supply,” said Jeff Cooper, Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County com- missioner. “We strongly encourage all individuals affected to adhere to the boil advisory until it’s lifted.”

When there is any unanticipated change or disruption to

continued from A1 the water service system, it is nationally recognized best practice to issue a boil advisory, he said.

Water could be rusty, cloudy or murky due to air trapped in the system, but it should dissipate over five to seven business days, said Dayton city manager Shelly Dickstein.

Is a water filter good enough?

You should still boil tap water even if you’re using a water filter. According to the CDC, most water filters don’t remove bacterium or viruses.

Even with a filter, experts recommend letting tap water run for three minutes and boiling it for one minute before using.

How long will I be under a boil advisory?

The city will test the water for 24-48 hours to ensure that it’s safe for customers. Meanwhile, customers should continue boiling their water until the boil advisory is lifted, said Michael Powell, the city water department’s director.

The county said it hopes to lift its boil advisory by Saturday.

Can I go to a local restaurant for food and water?

As long as restaurants have water and are outside of the boil advisory zone, they can open. Restaurants in the zone can open as long as they follow guidelines laid out by Public Health Dayton & Montgomery County and boil all water used.

“We are working closely with Montgomery County, but our restaurants know what to do in a boil advisory to make sure your Valentine’s Day goes off without a hitch,” said Amy Zahora executive director of the Miami Valley Restaurant Association.

Can I do laundry and shower?

City officials warned Thursday that residents in the impact zone should avoid washing light-colored clothing as the water could be muddy or cloudy for days.

Dayton has opened three distribution sites at the recreation centers at 2021 W. Third St., 1600 Princeton Drive and 2366 Genarm Ave. for Red-B-Gone laundry additive that will protect laundry from discolored water. Residents will have to show identification or a Dayton water bill showing addresses in the affected area. Centers are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Water does not need to be boiled for bathing.

Where can I get water if I need it?

Montgomery County worked with the state to set up drinking water distribution centers, said Montgomery County Administrator Michael Colbert. Help went first to high-risk areas like hospitals, nursing homes and jails.

Kroger donated water that’s available at the Dayton Food Bank and at three Kroger stores on Siebenthaler Avenue, Needmore Road and Smithville Road.

Other areas to get safe bottled water include: Christian Life Center, 3489 Little York Road; Happy Corner Church, 7037 N. Union Road; and the Trotwood Fire Station 72 at 5469 Little Richmond Road.