Guidance for Retail Food Establishments Under a Boil Water Order (Revised 02/2021) Public water systems issue Boil Water Orders to notify their users when the drinking water is not safe to consume. A boil water order is issued when there is a coliform bacteria violation, when the water turbidity is over 5.0 NTU, when the water pressure is less than 20 PSI, or when there is a waterborne disease outbreak. The retail food establishment manager is responsible for ensuring compliance with food safety requirements when under a Boil Water Order.
The following are temporary measures that can be taken under a Boil Water Order for Retail Food Establishments:
Drinking Water
- Use commercially bottled water; or
- Use water that has been kept at a rolling boil for at least 3 minutes, or
- Use water brought in from an approved public water supply in a covered, sanitized container.
Beverages Made with Water
- Do not use post-mix carbonated beverage machines, auto-fill coffee makers, instant hot water heaters, ice machines, etc. using auto-fill methods.
Ice Making
- Discard existing ice and do not make more ice.
- Use commercially manufactured ice.
Cooking
- Use commercially bottled water, or
- Use water that has been kept at a rolling boil for at least 3 minutes; or
- Use water brought in from an approved public water supply in a covered, sanitized container.
Handwashing
- Use commercially bottled water, or
- Use water that has been kept at a rolling boil for at least 3 minutes; or
- Use water brought in from an approved public water supply in a covered, sanitized container.
Cleaning and Sanitizing Tableware and Utensils
- Only use single-service items.
After the Public Water System lifts the Boil Order Notice, the Retail Food Establishment Must:
- Flush pipes / faucets for at least 5 minutes;
- Flush, clean and sanitize equipment with water line connections according to manufacturer’s directions
- Flush drinking water fountains for at least 5 minutes.
- Clean and sanitize the ice machine. Discard the first batch of new ice.
For additional information or guidance, please call 972-875-6444.