Boil Advisory FAQs

What are boil advisories?

When a water main break or other situation occurs in which any portion of the water system experiences a loss of pressure below 20 psi, the OEPA (Ohio Environmental Protection Agency) recommends that a Boil Advisory be issued to all affected customers within 24 hours of the incident. Please keep in mind that although boil advisories can be an inconvenient, they are a safeguard for you. The majority of boil advisories are lifted in 72 hours following receipt of negative results from bacteria testing. The City of Milford is dedicated to keeping our customers safe and informed about any issues that affect public safety.

How will I be notified?

In most cases (< 100 customers), our maintenance crews will go door to door advising each customer that a boil advisory has been issued. Please check your front door for any information. This tag will tell you when the advisory was issued. If the affected area is too large to notify with door tags, a series of press releases will be issued to local newspapers, radio stations, television stations, and local cable networks. Schools in the area will be notified by telephone. Additionally phone calls will be made to “critical” water users such as nursing homes.

Why did my neighbor get a notice, but I didn’t?

The areas affect by boil advisories are determined by valve location, pressure zones, and connections to the mains. That is why it is possible to have houses next door or across the street not affected, but you are under an advisory.

What should I do if I’m placed under an advisory?

If you are notified of an advisory, the OEPA recommends that all water used for consumption (food preparation, drinking, brushing your teeth, etc.) be boiled vigorously for at least one minute. Water used for non-consumption (bathing, washing dishes, etc.) does not need to be boiled.

Should I boil water for my pets?

Animals often consume water containing micro organisms (such as streams or puddles) with no adverse effects. So there is no need to boil water for your pets. However, if your pet is very young or has a medical condition, you may want to check with their veterinarian.
 

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