Can I Wash Clothes During a Boil Water Advisory?
As boil water advisories become more common due to climate change, the public is left wondering about the details of their daily life, such as can they still do laundry. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of coming in contact with contaminated water while you’re washing clothes during a boil water advisory.
Understand the Risk
Before you start washing clothes during a boil water advisory, it’s important to understand the potential risks. Boil water advisories happen when tests have indicated that the water may have been contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or other organisms. These can cause serious health issues, particularly if someone has weakened immunity or is a young child.
Take Necessary Precautions
You can take several precautions to keep your family safe while washing clothes during a boil water advisory:
- Avoid drinking, cooking with or washing fruits and vegetables in tap water
- Use only bottled or boiled water for drinking and cooking
- Use only bottled or filtered water for making ice cubes
- Rinse dishes in boiled water and allow to air dry
Washing Clothes Safely
When you’re washing clothes during a boil advisory, there are some extra precautions you should take:
- Rinse clothes in boiled or bottled water
- Be careful not to splash water onto yourself, others, or surfaces
- Let the clothes air-dry since they may still contain bacteria
- Be sure to use bleach or hot water to kill any remaining bacteria in the clothes
It’s also important to remember to check with your local authorities for any additional safety measures that you should take while washing clothes during a boil water advisory. Following these basic guidelines will help you keep your family safe and minimize the risk of coming in contact with contaminated water.