15. Why is a Boil Water Advisory expected as part of this work? What conditions would trigger it?
A precautionary Boil Water Advisory is expected because the repair requires temporarily depressurizing the water main. Whenever a water system loses pressure, standard procedure requires a Boil Water Advisory as a precautionary measure while the system is flushed, and water quality testing is completed. This does not mean contamination has been found.
16. How long is the Boil Water Advisory expected to last, and what criteria must be met before it can be lifted?
The Boil Water Advisory is expected to last approximately three days. It will be lifted only after a comprehensive flushing plan and testing is completed by certified authorities.
17. What should tenants do during a Boil Water Advisory for drinking, making ice, cooking, washing dishes, or doing laundry?
During a Boil Water Advisory:
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Tap water should be heated until it comes to a rolling boil for at least one minute and then allowed to cool before use or being stored in clean containers
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Use bottled or boiled water that has been cooled
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Drink or prepare drinks such as coffee, tea, or lemonade
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Cook food
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Wash fruits and vegetables
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Wash food preparation surfaces
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Prepare baby formula
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Brush teeth
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Make ice
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Give water to pets
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Dishwashing should be completed with boiled water or dishwashers sanitize or hot cycle
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Laundry maybe be completed as normal
18. Is bathing and showering safe during a Boil Water Advisory, and what special precautions apply for infants and medically vulnerable individuals?
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Bathing and showering are generally considered safe for healthy adults. However, care should be taken to avoid swallowing water as the primary risk is from ingestion.
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Bathing or showering for infants, young children, and individuals with open wounds, weakened immune systems, or other medical vulnerabilities should be done with boiled water that has been cooled or bottled water as a precaution.
19. What should I do with my ice maker, refrigerator water dispenser, and any ice already in the freezer during a Boil Water Advisory?
When a Boil Water Advisory goes into effect:
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Turn off your ice maker and avoid using your refrigerator's water dispenser
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Discard all ice currently in your freezer's ice bin, as it may have been made with water that was in the lines when pressure was lost
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Do not use ice made during the Boil Water Advisory period
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Once the Boil Water Advisory is lifted, discard any remaining ice, clean the bin, and cycle the ice maker two to three times before using the ice
20. What are the health risks of exposure to non-potable tap water during a Boil Water Advisory?
The risk to you during a Boil Water Advisory is very low. A precautionary Boil Water Advisory is issued after a loss of system pressure as a standard safety measure – it does not mean contamination has been detected. The primary concern is the small possibility that bacteria could enter the system when pressure drops, which is why we recommend boiling tap water before drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth until testing confirms the water meets all safety standards. If you follow the Boil Water Advisory guidance, your risk is minimal.
If someone drinks tap water that has not been boiled during a precautionary Boil Water Advisory, the most common potential symptoms would be gastrointestinal in nature, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps. These symptoms may be associated with common waterborne bacteria that can enter a system during a pressure loss. However, this Boil Water Advisory is precautionary — no contamination has been detected. If you or a family member experiences these symptoms, contact USNH Yokosuka for medical guidance.
21. Can children and pets play in standing non-potable water during a Boil Water Advisory, and is it safe to water lawns or gardens with it?
During a Boil Water Advisory:
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Children and pets should avoid playing in standing water, puddles, sprinklers, hoses, and outdoor spigots. The primary risk is accidental ingestion – young children and pets are especially likely to swallow water during play
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Watering lawns would be general acceptable if the installation wasn’t also under a water conservation advisory
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Outdoor play in dry areas is not affected
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All recreational water will be secured during the Boil Water Advisory
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Do not use tap water on vegetable gardens or any plants you intend to eat unless the water has been boiled first
22. What symptoms should I watch for, and who should I call if I feel sick and suspect it may be related to the water?
If you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal symptoms and believe they may be related to water, contact USNH Yokosuka Central Appointment Line at 243-5352 or your primary care provider. For emergencies, go to the USNH Yokosuka emergency room.
23. What guidance applies to medically vulnerable, immuno-compromised or elderly community members during a Boil Water Advisory?
Immuno-compromised, medically vulnerable, or elderly community members should take extra precautions. Use only bottled water for all drinking, cooking, and hygiene needs. Contact your healthcare provider at USNH Yokosuka for personalized guidance. CFAY will provide bottled water distribution points that all community members including medically vulnerable community members can use to stock necessary bottled water to meet all their requirements during the Boil Water Advisory.
24. What guidance applies to pregnant community members during a Boil Water Advisory?
If you are pregnant, take extra precautions. Only use water that has been boiled then cooled or bottled water for drinking and food preparation. Contact your healthcare provider at USNH Yokosuka for personalized guidance. CFAY will provide bottled water distribution points that all community members including medically vulnerable community members can use to stock necessary bottled water to meet all their requirements during the Boil Water Advisory.
25. What guidance applies to feeding and caring for infants during a Boil Water Advisory?
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Breastfeeding or use ready-to-use baby formula, if possible
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Prepare powdered or concentrated baby formula with bottled water. Use boiled water if you do not have bottled water
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Wash and sterilize bottles and nipples before use with bottled or boiled water
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If you cannot sterilize bottles, try to use single-serve, ready-to-feed bottles
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For bathing infants, use water that has been boiled then cooled
26. What should I do if I rely on medical equipment that uses water – such as CPAP humidifier, or wound care supplies?
If you rely on medical equipment that requires water, such as a CPAP humidifier or wound care supplies, use bottled or boiled and cooled water in your equipment during a Boil Water Advisory. Do not use tap water that has not been boiled. If you have concerns about specific medical equipment, contact USNH Yokosuka for guidance tailored to your situation.
27. Will medical clinics remain fully operational during planned work and Boil Water Advisory periods?
CFAY is working closely with U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka to support their mission of providing safe, high-quality medical care throughout the restoration period. Any specific changes to services will be communicated through the official hospital and CFAY communications channels.
28. What is the U.S. Army Veterinary Service guidance for pet care during a boil water advisory, and will the Vet Clinic adjust operations?
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Provide your pets with boiled and cooled water or bottled water
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Ensure to clean all pet bowls with boiled water
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Do not allow pets to drink from outdoor puddles, toilet bowls, or tap water that has not been boiled
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If your pet shows signs of illness such as vomiting or diarrhea during a Boil Water Advisory, contact U.S. Army Veterinary Treatment Facility Yokosuka