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How to flush your plumbing to clear out potentially contaminated water after boil water advisory

Before you start drinking water from the tap, it's important to flush your plumbing to clear out any contaminated water. Here's how to do that:

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The boil water advisory for thousands of Grand Rapids residents has been lifted, according to the city.

The advisory was implemented on Sunday, March 17, following a major water main break that affected water pressure for a large part of the city on the northeast side.

The city said the water system has been completely flushed and all water testing has been completed per state and federal rules and regulations.

Residents inside the affected area will no longer need to boil their water before they consume or use it.

Steps to take after a boil water advisory:

Flush Plumbing, Pipes, and Faucets (interior and exterior)

  • Unscrew and remove faucet screens/aerators and clean out any particles.
  • Run cold water through your faucets and appliances with direct water connections for at least five minutes.
  • To clear hot water pipes and the water heater of untreated water, run hot water only at all faucets and flush until the water runs cool.
  • Put the screens/aerators back on the faucets.

Check Appliances/Devices

  • Remove and replace all water filters, including water coolers, inline filters and other appliances with direct water connections. The filter could be contaminated if you ran water through any filter during the boil water advisory.
  • Always read and follow the owner’s manual for directions to flush and replace filters for all appliances that use water.
  • Water dispensers from refrigerators should be flushed by at least one gallon of water, refer to the owner’s manual.
  • Dump existing ice and flush the water feed lines, making and discarding three batches of ice cubes.
  • After flushing hot water pipes and water heater, run an empty dishwasher one time on the hottest or sanitize cycle.
  • Run water softener through a full regeneration cycle.
  • Remove and replace filters in portable and furnace humidifiers.

The Kent County Health Department is sharing guides and resources with restaurants and food service facilities to safely begin using water and ice. 

If you have further questions or need to report a water/sewer emergency, please contact customer service by dialing 616-456-3000, or dial 3-1-1 if you are within the city limits.

The boil water advisory in your area has been lifted. The following actions need to be taken before you consume the...

Posted by The City of Grand Rapids on Wednesday, March 20, 2024

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