Falcon water customers are being warned to boil their water before they use it. Roughly 375 taps are affected and that includes homes and businesses.
Leaders of the Falcon Highlands Metro District, just northeast of Colorado Springs, say that some type of malfunction and a significant loss of pressure in the drinking water system, may have allowed disease causing organisms to enter the water system.
District leaders say they’re hoping to have the issues fixed by Thursday.
Meanwhile, Falcon Highlands customers should boil their water for at least three minutes before using it for any of the following activities.
- Drinking it
- Making ice
- Brushing your teeth
- Washing dishes
- Preparing food
Is boiling your water effective? Yes!
Scientific research shows waterborne pathogens (bacteria, protozoa, and viruses) are killed or inactivated at high temperatures. According to the World Health Organization, a water temperature of 158°F (70°C) will kill 99.999% of bacteria, protozoa, and viruses in less than 1 minute.
Since we know that water boils* at 212°F (100°C), this means that by the time water has reached a rolling boil, it will be safe to drink. For an added margin of safety, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend boiling water for 1 minute just to be sure.
