Public Notice to Boil Water. Aviso al Público de Hervir el Agua

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1 Public Notice to Boil Water Due to a major main break in a large diameter transmission main that serves the Quail Run Subdivision, key map area 570(Z) and 610(B,C,F,G), the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required the City of Houston main water system PWS # to notify customers in this area of the need to boil their water prior to consumption. To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to use. The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source. When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the water system officials will notify you that the water is safe for consumption. Instructions to discontinue boiling will be issued in the same manner as this notice. If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact 311. Aviso al Público de Hervir el Agua Por la ruptura de una línea de agua que sirve la comunidad de Quail Run (áreas de mapa son 570Z, 610B, 610C, 610F, y 610G), la Comisión de Calidad Ambiental de Texas (TCEQ) requiere que el sistema de agua PWS# de La Ciudad de Houston informe a los clientes en este área de la necesidad de hervir el agua antes de consumir. Para asegurar la destrucción de bacterias peligrosas y otros microbios, el agua para tomar, cocinar, y para hacer hielo debe de ser hervida y refrescada antes de usarse. El agua debe de llegar a un punto donde se está hirviendo vigorosamente y luego se debe continuar hirviendo por dos minutos. En lugar de hervir el agua, usted puede comprar agua embotellada u obtener agua de otro lugar seguro. Cuando no sea necesario de hervir el agua, los oficiales del sistema de agua les informaran que el agua es segura para consumir. Instrucciones para descontinuar hirviendo se proveerán en la misma manera que este aviso. Si tiene preguntas sobre este asunto, puede llamar a

2 Why do I have to boil my water? Your water may be contaminated. Anytime system water pressures are below 20 psi, there is a potential for contamination. The Boil Water Notice gives you information so you can take action to protect your health. How long will I need to continue to boil my water? According to State regulations (Title 30 Texas Administrative Code, Section (q)), a boil water notice must remain in effect until water distribution pressures in excess of 20 pounds per square inch (psi) can consistently be maintained, a minimum 0.5 milligrams per liter total chlorine disinfectant residual is present throughout the system, and water samples collected for microbiological analysis are found negative for coliform organisms. The presence of coliform organisms is not necessarily a health threat in itself, but may indicate whether other potentially harmful bacteria may be present. The City of Houston will notify residents when the boil water notice is no longer in effect. How do I boil my water? Fill a pot with water. Heat the water until bubbles come from the bottom of the pot to the top. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, let it boil for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat source and let the water cool. Pour water into a clean container with a cover for storage I cannot boil my water. How do I disinfect my water to make it safe to drink? If tap water is clear: Use bleach that does not have an added scent (like lemon). Add 1/8 teaspoon (8 drops or about 0.75 milliliters) of household liquid bleach to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water. Mix well and wait 30 minutes or more before drinking. Store disinfected water in a clean contain with a cover.

3 If tap water is cloudy: Filter through a clean cloth Use bleach that does not have an added scent (like lemon). Add 1/4 teaspoon (16 drops or 1.5 milliliters) of household liquid bleach to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water. Mix well and wait 30 minutes or more before drinking. Store disinfected water in a clean container with a cover. Remember that containers may need to be sanitized before using them to store safe water: Use bleach that does not have an added scent (like lemon). Add 1 teaspoon (64 drops or 5 milliliters) of household liquid bleach to 1 quart (32 ounces, 4 cups, or about 1 liter) of water. Pour this into a clean storage container and shake well, making sure that the solution coats the entire inside of the container. Let sit at least 30 seconds, and then pour out solution. Let air dry OR rinse with clean water that has already been made safe, if available. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners. Open windows and doors to get fresh air when you use bleach. Should I use bottled water? You may choose to use bottled water if it is available. I don't like the taste of boiled water. What can I do? To improve the taste you can: Pour cooled water back and forth from one clean glass into another to add air to the water. Let the water stand for a few hours. Add a pinch of salt to each quart of boiled water.

4 Food and Beverages Can I use my coffee maker, ice machine, or water or soda dispenser? Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water lines. This includes water and ice dispensers in your refrigerator/freezer. Use boiled or bottled water to make coffee and ice. Filters do not remove or kill bacteria or viruses. When the boil water advisory is lifted, consult the owner's manual and sanitize appliances. What about ice? Do not use ice from ice trays, ice dispensers, or ice makers. Throw out all ice made with tap water. Make new ice with boiled or bottled water. What should I do about preparing food and beverages? How should I wash fruit, vegetables, and food preparation surfaces? Wash fruits and vegetables with cooled, boiled water or bottled water. Bring water to a rolling boil for one minute before adding food to cook. Use boiled water when preparing drinks, such as coffee, tea, and lemonade. Wash food preparation surfaces with boiled water. What should I do about feeding my baby? Breastfeeding is best. Continue to breastfeed. If breastfeeding is not an option: Use ready-to-use formula, if possible. Prepare powdered or concentrated formula with bottled water. Use boiled water if you do not have bottled water. Disinfect water for formula if you cannot boil your water (see above for directions on how to use bleach to disinfect water). Wash and sterilize bottles and nipples before use. If you cannot sterilize bottles, try to use single-serve, ready-to-feed bottles. How do I wash dishes during a boil water event? Dishwashers are safe to use if the water reaches a temperature of at least 160 F or if the dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle.

5 To wash dishes by hand: Wash and rinse the dishes as normal using hot water. In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household bleach for each gallon of warm water. Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least 1 minute. Let the dishes air dry completely. Health I already drank the water. Will I get sick? At this time, there is no indication that the water is contaminated. The boil water notice is a precaution until we can be sure the water meets standards. If you do get sick, the symptoms are similar to food poisoning: nausea, diarrhea, cramps, and possibly a mild fever. What should I do if I have symptoms? The most important thing to do is avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid drinks with caffeine, such as soda, coffee, and tea. If you are concerned about your health or the health of a family member, contact your health care provider. Household Information Should I give my pets boiled water? Pets can get some of the same diseases as people. It is a good idea to give them boiled water that has been cooled. Do I need to worry about my fish or aquatic pets (e.g., reptiles, frogs)? Most germs that infect people do not infect reptiles or fish. If your water system is using more chlorine or changing disinfection, be cautious about changing the water in your fish tank or aquarium. Contact your local pet store or veterinarian for more advice. Is it safe to water my garden and house plants? You can use tap water for household plants and gardens.

6 Hygiene Can I use tap water to brush my teeth? No. Do not use tap water to brush your teeth. Use boiled or bottled water. Is it safe to take a shower or bath? Yes, it is safe to take a bath or shower, but be careful not to swallow any water. Use caution when bathing infants and young children. Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water. What about shaving? Yes, you can shave as usual. What about doing laundry? Yes, it is safe to do laundry as usual. Where can I get more information? Personal Water Use: CDC provides guidance on the amount of water needed for good health, as well as its preparation and storage in preparation for and during an emergency. CDC provides guidance on alternative hygienic practices when water is not available or is contaminated.