Louisiana Boil Water Notice: What Happens If You Don’t?

Water in Shreveport has been the root of many conversations of late.

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In a story we just read Wednesday, Shreveport's Water Department tries to explain the latest in this continuing saga.

The City of Shreveport’s Water and Sewerage Department continues to address taste and odor issues caused by elevated levels of Geosmin, a naturally occurring compound produced by algae in Cross Lake.

Of course, it wasn't terribly long ago that Bossier City's water made national headlines with it's brain eating amoeba.

And with all the recent housing expansions in the North Bossier area, Dogwood, Haughton and many other areas have been forced to issue Boil Advisories to flush lines or due to broken water mains.

How Dangerous Is Drinking Un-boiled Water When A Boil Advisory Has Been Issued?

That might leave you wondering about the dangers of either forgetting about the boil advisory or completely ignoring it.  And with those actions come the significant question, "Will it kill me if I forget to boil my water before drinking it?"

In a couple words; probably not. But, it could bring on some gastrointestinal issues that you'd much rather avoid.  And, with issues like Bossier's brain eating amoeba, you'd certainly want to avoid that as well.

The CDC Has Water Recommendations During Crisis

According to the Centers for Disease Control, here are some ideas on how to handle your water supply during a crisis:

• Use bottled or boiled water for drinking, and to prepare and cook food.
• If bottled water is not available, bring water to a full rolling boil for 1 minute, then allow it to cool before use.
• Boil tap water even if it is filtered.
• Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water line, such as ice and water from a refrigerator.
• Breastfeeding is the best infant feeding option If you formula feed your child, provide ready-to-use formula, if available.

Handwashing

• In many situations, you can use tap water and soap to wash hands. Follow the guidance from your local public health officials.
• Be sure to scrub your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and rinse them well under running water.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Bathing and Showering

• Be careful not to swallow any water when bathing or showering.
• Use caution when bathing babies and young children. Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water.

Brushing Teeth

• Brush teeth with boiled or bottled water. Do not use untreated tap water.

I don't want to come off as preachy, but "it's always better to be safe than sorry" and with the stomach issues that contaminated water can bring on, this could be a "sorry" you'd much rather avoid.