Boil Water Advisory vs. Boil Water Order Information

Boil Water Advisory

A public water system may issue a boil water advisory when there is concern that a problem with drinking water may exist, but it has not yet been confirmed. These are most commonly issued for major water main breaks or other low-pressure events where the possibility of contamination intrusion exists. They may also be issued while waiting for results of confirmation samples collected for bacteriological analysis, which can take up to two days plus the time required to transport samples to the laboratory.

Boil Water Order

A boil water order is issued by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to public water systems when a threat to the public health exists, or is likely to exist, that boiling the water will remedy. The public water system is then required to notify consumers as soon as possible, and by the most effective methods, that need to boil their drinking water.




A Boil Water Order is issued if contamination has been confirmed in the drinking water system. Under a Boil Water Order, it is essential and necessary that customers follow the precautions listed below.

The following precautions need to be taken under a Boil Water Advisory or Order:

1. Boil water vigorously for three minutes prior to use. Use only water that has been boiled for drinking, diluting fruit juices, all other food preparation and brushing teeth.    
2. Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic ice maker. Remake ice cubes with water that has been boiled.
3. Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
   
   Note: Let water cool sufficiently before drinking (approximately 110 degrees F).

Do Not Use Order

A Do Not Use Order is only issued in a chemical contamination event, in which case boiling water would be ineffective at removing the contaminant. If a Do Not Use Order is issued, customers would be warned not to use tap water for any purpose.

Notification and Information Updates

The primary source of information about boil advisories and boil orders is the home page of the City's website. When urgent information must be shared, the City will issue a Press Release and attempt to contact water customers directly via email through their account information provided.  Details may also be shared on the City's social media facebook page or through NIXLE as well as news media outlets.   For isolated small outages, door hangers and signage may also be used.  To sign up for NIXLE click here or text your ZIP CODE to 888777 for mobile alerts
 

Cancellation Notice

The City of Oak Grove will issue a Cancellation Notice once tests confirm that water in the distribution system meets requirements for public drinking water and is safe to drink. When a Cancellation Notice is issued, customers no longer need to boil water prior to drinking or cooking.

For More Information

Water Protection Program    

Division of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176
573-751-1300
800-361-4827
cleanwater@dnr.mo.gov

EPA's Safe Drinking Water hotline
(if you are served by a public water system)
800-426-4791

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
(if you get your drinking water from a private well)
800-392-0272