How to Keep Your Restaurant Operating During Boil Water Advisory

Blog Layout

Keep Your Restaurant Water Safe

Many boil water advisories are issued throughout the United States every year. As a restaurant owner or operator, you may find these advisories to be particularly troublesome since your establishment uses a good amount of water throughout the day; from serving customers drinking water, to mixing up cocktails, and washing fresh produce. Some restaurants find the need to close up shop until these advisories are lifted, which means they lose out on business. But other restaurants decide to stay open during boil water advisories so long as they implement the proper water safety protocols.

But how do you keep your restaurant operating safely during a boil water advisory? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, water used for drinking or cooking must be kept at a rolling boil for at least one minute before serving. This process kills microorganisms like bacteria and viruses that have been detected in municipal water supplies.

In addition to boiling your tap water, the following safety precautions can also help keep your restaurant doors open and ward off health risks during a boil water advisory.

Restaurant Boil Water Advisories: Important Safety Precautions

Use Water from an Alternative Source

Whether you need to wash fresh fruits and vegetables, serve drinking water, or clean your food preparation surfaces, you should try using water from an alternative source if boiling doesn’t sound ideal for you. Using treated or bottled water can keep your staff and patrons from eating or drinking contaminated items during a boil water advisory.

Discard Contaminated Food

If your restaurant had already prepared food with potentially contaminated water prior to the boil water advisory, it’s always best to get rid of it. You may also want to change your menu and only serve food items that do not require water.

Throw Out Your Ice & Don’t Use Beverage Machines

Using ice from an ice maker during a boil water advisory is never a good idea. Since ice makers and dispensers use the same water source as your tap water, you will need to make new ice for your customers using boiled or treated water. You may even wish to purchase ice from another locale that isn’t under an advisory. Additionally, you will want to discontinue using other equipment that uses your water line connections such as soft drink machines, auto-fill coffee makers, and others.

Sanitize Dishes

When running restaurant dishes through your commercial grade dishwasher, make sure they go through the sanitizing cycle. This will ensure that tap water contaminants are eliminated from dishware, glasses, and utensils.

Continue Washing Hands & Wear Gloves

All restaurant staff should be washing their hands regularly -- especially during a boil water advisory. Advise your front and back of house staff to wash their hands using an alternative source of water. Your kitchen staff may even wish to wear gloves to keep harmful bacteria and viruses away from food and food prep surfaces.

Install a Restaurant Water Filtration System

When you’re running a restaurant in the midst of a boil water advisory, you want a convenient option when it comes to safely operating your business. A restaurant water filtration system is an ideal solution for safely serving your customers water from your tap every day -- even during a boil water advisory.

It’s important to note that not all water filters are created equal. You will want to choose a high-tech restaurant water filtration system that not only filters out contaminants, but disinfects your tap water to ensure waterborne bacteria and viruses are eliminated from the water you plan to serve customers. A water filtration system with added UV technology will help reduce tap water bacteria and virus count by 99.9%; including the elimination of E.coli and coliform bacteria.

Boil water advisories don’t have to harm your restaurant sales or reputation. Following the safety tips above and using a restaurant water filtration system with UV technology can help you easily bypass potential health risks and keep customers happy and returning.

Need more information? Click here to download our case study or click here to schedule a meeting!

What is a boil water advisory?
A boil water advisory is a public health measure issued by government agencies or water utilities when there is a risk of microbial contamination in the drinking water supply. It advises residents and businesses to boil tap water before consuming it, to kill any harmful microorganisms.
How common are boil water advisories in the United States?
Boil water advisories are issued throughout the United States each year, with varying frequency depending on factors such as infrastructure issues, water quality standards, and environmental conditions.
As a restaurant owner, why is a boil water advisory particularly troublesome?
Restaurants rely heavily on water for various operations, including cooking, cleaning, and serving beverages. Boil water advisories can disrupt these essential functions and potentially compromise food safety and customer health if not properly managed.
Can restaurants continue to operate during a boil water advisory?
Yes, restaurants can remain open during a boil water advisory by implementing proper water safety protocols to ensure the water used in food preparation and service is safe for consumption.
What safety precautions should restaurants take during a boil water advisory?
Restaurants should boil tap water for at least one minute before use, utilize water from alternative sources when possible, discard food prepared with potentially contaminated water, sanitize dishes thoroughly, and ensure staff practice good hygiene, among other precautions.
Can restaurants use ice or beverage machines during a boil water advisory?
It is not advisable to use ice or beverage machines that rely on tap water during a boil water advisory. Instead, restaurants should make ice using boiled or treated water and consider discontinuing the use of equipment connected to the water line.
Are there long-term solutions to ensure water safety in restaurants during advisories?
Installing a high-quality restaurant water filtration system, particularly one with UV technology, can provide a reliable solution for ensuring water safety during boil water advisories and on a day-to-day basis.
How can restaurants ensure customer satisfaction and safety during boil water advisories?
By following recommended safety precautions, such as those outlined above, and investing in effective water filtration systems, restaurants can maintain high standards of food safety and customer service even during boil water advisories, ultimately safeguarding their reputation and customer satisfaction.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Boost Your Gut Health with Filtered Sparkling Water

February 17, 2025

The Link Between Hydration and Gut Health Your gut is at the core of your overall well-being, playing a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and even immune function. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system, but not all water is created equal. While sugary sodas and artificial beverages can disrupt gut flora, sparkling filtered water offers a refreshing and beneficial alternative. How Sparkling Filtered Water Supports Digestive Health 1. Aiding Digestion Ever felt bloated or sluggish after a meal? Carbonation in sparkling water can help stimulate digestion by promoting the natural release of digestive enzymes. This mild effervescence can also ease feelings of fullness, making it a great option after a heavy meal. 2. Reducing Bloating and Constipation Filtered sparkling water has been shown to help relieve constipation by improving bowel movements. The gentle bubbles can stimulate peristalsis, the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through your intestines, helping to prevent sluggish digestion. 3. Maintaining a Balanced Microbiome Your gut microbiome thrives when you consume pure, clean water. Many tap and bottled waters contain contaminants, chlorine, and even microplastics that can disrupt gut bacteria. By choosing triple-filtered Natura sparkling water, you’re avoiding these harmful elements and providing your digestive system with a cleaner, healthier hydration source. 4. Alleviating Acid Reflux & Heartburn While unfiltered carbonated drinks can sometimes contribute to acid reflux, water from Natura systems are free from artificial sweeteners and acidity-increasing additives, making it a gentler option. The effervescence can also help clear excess mucus from the esophagus, offering relief from mild reflux symptoms. Why Filtered Water Matters for Gut Health Filtering your water removes impurities such as heavy metals, chlorine, and bacteria, all of which can negatively impact gut health. Sparkling filtered water provides the best of both worlds: a pure, clean hydration source with the digestive benefits of carbonation. The Natura Water Difference At Natura Water, we believe that hydration should be both pure and enjoyable . Our premium water filtration systems ensure that every sip is free from contaminants while offering the crisp, refreshing taste of high-quality sparkling water. Whether for home, office, or hospitality use, our systems support gut health and sustainability, eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles. If you’re looking for a gut-friendly way to stay hydrated, triple-filtered sparkling water is an excellent choice. It promotes digestion, helps prevent bloating, and keeps your gut microbiome balanced—all while offering a delicious, bubbly experience. Ready to upgrade your hydration? Try Natura Water and experience the difference of premium, sustainable water solutions. Want to learn more? Click here here to schedule a meeting!