I Brushed My Teeth During A Boil Order
What is a Boil Order?
A boil order is a public health advisory issued by local authorities when there is a risk of bacterial contamination in the municipal water system. During this time, residents are advised to boil their tap water for at least one minute before drinking, cooking, or brushing their teeth. This is to ensure that any harmful bacteria or viruses are killed before the water is consumed.
My Experience
Recently, my city issued a boil order due to a water main break in the area. I was initially worried about how I would manage without being able to use tap water, but I quickly realized that boiling water is not as difficult as it seems. I was able to boil a pot of water on my stove and use it to make tea, coffee, and even cook my meals.
However, I was faced with a unique challenge when it came to brushing my teeth. I had always taken for granted the convenience of being able to turn on the tap and brush my teeth without a second thought. But now, I had to be mindful of the water I was using.
How I Brushed My Teeth
To brush my teeth during the boil order, I had to take a few extra steps to ensure that my toothbrush and toothpaste were not contaminated. Here's what I did:
- Boiled a pot of water on the stove and let it cool to room temperature
- Poured the boiled water into a clean container
- Dipped my toothbrush into the boiled water to wet it
- Applied toothpaste to my toothbrush
- Brushed my teeth as I normally would
- Spit the toothpaste out into a separate container
- Rinsed my mouth with the boiled water
- Rinsed my toothbrush with the boiled water and let it air dry
It may seem like a lot of extra work, but it only took a few minutes to complete. And it gave me peace of mind knowing that I was taking the necessary precautions to keep myself safe and healthy.
The Importance of Following Boil Orders
It's important to take boil orders seriously and follow the guidelines set out by local authorities. Drinking contaminated water can lead to serious illness, especially for those with weakened immune systems such as children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses.
Boiling water is an effective way to kill harmful bacteria and viruses that may be present in the water supply. It's also important to remember that boiling water is not just for drinking, but also for cooking and cleaning fruits and vegetables.
Conclusion
While a boil order can be inconvenient, it's important to take the necessary steps to ensure that you and your family are safe from contaminated water. Boiling water is a simple and effective way to kill harmful bacteria and viruses. And with a little extra effort, you can still maintain your daily routine, including brushing your teeth.
