How do I clean my water tank?
When there is a Boil Water Advisory, restaurants are given very specific orders from Environmental Health Officers (who report to the Chief Public Health Officer) about how to operate. These orders ensure that foods and drinks served to the public remain safe.
Q17 – Is potentially contaminated water safe for washing dishes?
Hand-washed dishes: No! Use boiled (then cooled) water, water from an alternate source, or after washing with dish detergent rinse for a minute in a dilute bleach (1 tablespoon of unscented bleach per gallon of water). Allow dishes, cutlery, cups, etc. to completely air dry before use.
Home dishwasher: Yes, if the hot wash is at least 170o F and includes a full dry cycle. However, most home dishwashers do not reach this temperature. If you are uncertain of the temperature of your dishwasher, rinse in dilute bleach and completely air dry as described for hand washed dishes.
Commercial dishwasher: Yes, if it is a NSF listed washer and manufactured and operated with a heat sanitizing rinse set at 170oF that lasts for at least 30 seconds. Additional information on commercial dishwashers can be found in the fact sheets for food service establishments.
CAUTION – “Green” or “Environmentally Friendly” dish washer additives, which may be advertised as a disinfectant or anti-microbial, are weaker disinfectants and should not be relied on alone to eliminate potential pathogens.
Locally, Houston Humane Society is trying to make sure your furry family members are safe too. They’re reminding pet owners that this boil water advisory also applies to all pets as well.
In 2021, the Census recorded more than 128.5 million in the U.S. with one pet in their home. Houston ranks fourth among homes with pets according to the U.S. Census American Housing Survey.
HOUSTON (KIAH) The city-wide boil water notice is impacting 2.2 million Houstonians, but what about your pets?
At the non-profit animal shelter, they’re advising all households to only give pets cooled boiled water or bottled water until further notice. Bacteria found in untreated water can greatly harm not only you, but your pets as well.
Can DOGS DRINK Anything Besides WATER?
Protecting your family, yourself and others from potentially contaminated drinking water takes some thought and effort. Questions from residents and homeowners about how to do this often arise during a boil water event. The following pages provide answers to some questions you may have. In the event that a “Do Not Use” notice is issued, additional precautions will be needed, contact your local Health Department for guidance.
Boil Water Notices – Frequently Asked Questions for Residents and Homeowners – Short Version is also available for download. (PDF, 148Kb, 2pg.)