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What is a System Pressure Advisory? Is it the same as a Boil Water Notice?
A System Pressure Advisory notifies customers that they may wish to boil tap water before consuming it. An SPA is typically issued in response to an event (water main break, loss of system pressure, or natural disaster) that theoretically could allow contaminants to enter the water distribution system. A SPA does not mean the water is contaminated, but rather that it could be contaminated, although this is very unlikely.
A System Pressure Advisory is different from a Boil Water Notice. A Boil Water Notice is issued when contamination is confirmed in the water system. During a Boil Water Notice, all customers must boil their water before consuming it or use bottled water.
When an SPA is issued, Raleigh Water will notify only the customers affected or served by the water main repaired. If the advisory is widespread, Raleigh Water will utilize available media, radio, and other appropriate notification measures to inform the public of the system pressure advisory.
In some cases, Raleigh Water staff can make repairs to a pressurized water main which prevents any contamination from the soil and bacteria from entering the distribution. When this process is used for the repair, there will be no system pressure advisory issued.
What should I do during a System Pressure Advisory?
Before using tap water for drinking, cooking, making ice, or brushing teeth:
- Bring water to a full boil for at least one (1) minute.
- Let it cool before use.
- You do not need to boil water for showering or washing clothes.
Flush Household Pipes When SPA is Lifted
After an SPA has been lifted, you may wish to flush household pipes, ice makers, water fountains, etc. prior to using for drinking or cooking. Flushing simply means letting the water run to ensure that no contaminated water remains in your pipes.
Follow these guidelines for flushing:
- Run all cold water faucets in your home for one minute;
- Flush automatic ice makers by making three batches of ice and discard the ice;
- Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle;
- Run drinking water fountains for one minute; and,
- Run water coolers with direct water connections for five minutes.
Do I still need to boil my water if I have a filter system on my faucet or refrigerator?
Yes. Most point-of-use (POU) filters are designed to improve the aesthetics of water (improve taste and odor), not remove harmful bacteria.
Is the water safe for washing dishes, laundry, and bathing?
The water is safe for washing dishes, but you should use hot, soapy water (you may add one tablespoon of bleach per gallon as a precaution) to rinse dishes. There are no restrictions on doing laundry. The water is also safe for bathing during an advisory or notice.
How long must a System Pressure Advisory be in effect?
A System Pressure Advisory or Notice will remain in effect until test samples show the water is safe to drink. Testing for bacteria requires 18 to 24 hours to complete, depending on the type of test used.
What are total coliform bacteria?
Total coliform bacteria are a collection of microorganisms that live in large numbers in the intestines of humans and animals, as well as in most soils and surface water. A sub-group of these microorganisms is the fecal coliform bacteria, the most common member being E coli. These bacteria occur naturally in lakes and streams, but indicate that the water is contaminated with human or animal waste and therefore may pose a health risk to people who drink it. The water treatment process removes these bacteria from the water, but events such as a water main break or a loss of pressure in the water distribution system may allow these bacteria to enter water lines through cracks in pipes or back-siphoning from a residential plumbing system. Boiling water vigorously for one minute will kill these bacteria and make water safe to drink.
Impacted Water Service Sign
How will I be notified if my home/business is affected by an advisory or notice?
By regulation, Raleigh Water must follow certain public notification efforts and depending on the customers affected by the planned or emergency water main repair will decide notification process. If this is a planned or minor water main repair, the use of door-to-door notification/door information packets will be delivered. If this is a widespread notification advisory, the use of media outlets and any other means will be utilized to inform the water users/public. For further information about impacted water services call 919-996-3245 or contact the manager that appears on the System Pressure Advisory notification.
Under what circumstances will Raleigh Water issue a System Pressure Advisory?
An advisory must be issued in the following instances:
- Loss of system pressure in small or large sections of the distribution has been identified.
- A water main break where dirt and debris could have entered the distribution piping
- Scheduled water main maintenance that would drop system pressure in that local area.
How will I know when the advisory or notice has been lifted?
Raleigh Water will issue a rescind of the system pressure advisory when the results from the testing have been confirmed that the water is safe to drink; depending on how you received your notification will decide how you are informed of the repeal (door hanger/packet, email/text, or media/radio).
Will I get sick if I drink the water? What if I drank some of the water before I found out about the advisory?
Until test results show the water is safe to drink, you should not drink the water without boiling it first. During an SPA, chances are if you are in good health, you will not get sick from drinking the water; however, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems should not drink the water until it is deemed safe to drink. Symptoms of illness caused by bacteria in the water may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. Please note that these symptoms are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.