Define a boil-water advisory and when is it issued?

• A. A recommendation to drink only bottled water for a year.
• B. An order to cease all water use unless processed.
• C. An issued directive to boil water before consumption due to potential or confirmed water contamination or system failure.
• D. A policy to increase water usage during heat waves.

Answer: (C)

A boil-water advisory is an issued directive to boil tap water before consumption because there’s potential or confirmed contamination or a problem with the water system. It’s issued by public health authorities or water utilities whenever there’s a risk the water could be unsafe to drink, such as after a water main break, a treatment-plant issue, or a loss of disinfection due to power or equipment problems. The guidance typically says to bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute (longer at higher elevations) before drinking, cooking, or preparing infant formula, and to let it cool before use. Other options describe actions that aren’t protective water-safety measures, so they don’t fit.