Drinking water advisory for immune-compromised New Yorkers

[Renew Deal]

I heard about this yesterday.

NEW YORK CITY – June 30, 2005 – Following recent heavy rainstorms, higher than normal levels of particles have been detected in the City’s drinking water supply, which can interfere with the water chlorination process. These high levels were observed at approximately 2am today at the Hillview reservoir just north of New York City. While the affected water was diverted shortly thereafter, out of an abundance of caution, DOHMH is recommending that infants, the elderly, pregnant women and New Yorkers with conditions that compromise their immune systems– those with HIV/AIDS, especially those with CD4 counts less than 200; those with leukemia; and those who are post bone marrow transplantation - use either boiled or bottled water as a precaution for the next 24 hours (until noon Friday).

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has requested that doctors increase testing for parasitic illnesses and immediately report these diseases as well as any increase in gastrointestinal symptoms, especially diarrheal illness.
The DOHMH and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection are working closely with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to further assess water quality and are continuing to monitor for illness.

Recommendations
Anyone with severe diarrhea should see their doctor immediately. People with immune-compromising conditions are advised to:
Bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute before use.
• To avoid a burn injury, allow water to cool before pouring into a clean, dry container.
• Boiled water should be use for ice cubes, brushing teeth, preparing salads, and mixing with concentrates.

OR

Use point-of-use filters with an absolute pore size of less than or equal to one micron in diameter
• Safe filters include:
o those certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) for “absolute cyst removal of particles < one micron”, or standard #53 (cyst reduction). The certification seal can be found on the filter.
o filters labeled with the words “Reverse Osmosis”
• Filters commonly used for chlorine and metals removal may not be acceptable for use in this situation. Please check the label.
• Follow manufacturer's directions for routine maintenance and replace filters according to schedule.

OR

Use bottled water
• Only bottled waters certified by the NYSDOH for sale in NY should be considered. Look for the NYSDOH certification identifier on the label (NYSHD Cert. # XXXX). A list of certified bottled waters for sale in NY, along with their sources can be obtained from the NYSDOH at 1-518-402-7676.
Bathing and other uses of water

• Avoid drinking water or getting into your mouth while bathing
• It is safe to use tap water to wash dishes if dishes are thoroughly dried before use.
• It is safe to use tap water to prepare food that will be cooked before eating.
General precautions for people with weakened immune systems to prevent diarrheal illness
• Avoid sexual practices that may result in exposure to feces.
• Avoid drinking or accidentally swallowing water from lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, pools or waterparks.
• Avoid contact with feces of all animals, particularly young farm animals such as calves.
• Always wash hands thoroughly after any contact with animals; after any contact with soil (e.g., gardening); after changing diapers, or caring for someone with diarrhea; before eating, or preparing food.