The short answer
Why Main Breaks Contaminate Water
When a water main breaks, pressure drops in the pipes. That drop can let groundwater, soil, or sewage seep into the supply through cracks or joints. Even if the water looks clear, it may carry harmful bacteria or other contaminants you cannot see.
The contamination can last for hours or days after the break is repaired. Your water utility tests the supply before lifting any boil-water notice. Until you hear that official notice is lifted, treat the water as unsafe for drinking, cooking, or brushing your teeth.
- Boil tap water for at least one minute before using it for drinking or food prep
- Use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and oral hygiene
- Avoid ice made from tap water during a boil-water advisory
- Wash hands with boiled or bottled water if the advisory is active
- Discard any food or drink made with tap water during the advisory
What Contaminants Can Be Present
Typical risks after a main break include bacteria like E. Coli or coliform, which come from soil or sewage. Sediment and rust may also enter the lines, making the water cloudy or discolored. In rare cases, chemicals from nearby sources could be pulled into the system.
Symptoms of contaminated water include stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, or fever. If you or anyone in your household feels unwell after drinking tap water, contact a doctor promptly. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face higher risk.
- Bacteria such as E. Coli and coliform
- Sediment, dirt, and rust particles
- Chemicals from agricultural or industrial runoff
- Sewage or animal waste in flooded areas
How to Know When Water Is Safe
Your local water utility will issue a boil-water notice or a do-not-drink advisory after a main break. That notice tells you exactly what to do and when it is safe to resume normal use. Do not rely on the water looking or tasting fine; contaminants often have no odor or taste.
The utility will run tests and lift the notice only when the water meets safety standards. You can check their website or local news for updates. Until the official all-clear, keep using boiled or bottled water for anything you consume.
- Look for official notices from your water utility or local health department
- Follow any instructions about flushing your pipes before use
- Check local news or the utility's website for updates
- Do not stop boiling water until the notice is formally lifted
Steps to Protect Your Home
After a main break, flush your cold-water taps for a few minutes once the all-clear is given. This clears out any water that sat in the pipes during the break. Run appliances like dishwashers and washing machines on an empty cycle with hot water to clean their lines.
If your home has a water filter, replace the cartridge after the advisory ends. The filter may have trapped contaminants during the event. Also clean any water-using devices, such as ice makers or coffee makers, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Flush all cold-water faucets for several minutes after the all-clear
- Run an empty cycle on the dishwasher and washing machine
- Replace the water filter cartridge
- Clean ice makers and coffee makers per the manual
Dealing with Water Damage at Home
A main break can also cause flooding or water damage inside your home, not just in the street. If water enters your living space, it may carry contaminants from the broken pipe or surrounding soil. Avoid contact with the water and shut off your main water valve if it is safe to do so.
For cleanup, local water damage pros can handle extraction, drying, and disinfection. They have the equipment to remove standing water and dry out walls, floors, and belongings. If the water is heavily contaminated, the pros will treat it as a hazardous cleanup situation.
If you live in Daytona Beach, keep your shutoff valve location written down so you can act quickly during an emergency. After the pros finish, you may need to check with your insurance company about coverage for the damage. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
- Turn off the main water valve if you can do so safely
- Avoid walking through standing water, especially if it looks dirty
- Move valuable items to a dry area if possible
- Call local water damage pros for extraction and drying
- Document the damage with photos for your insurance records
Water damage does not wait
Phones are answered 24/7 for Daytona Beach and nearby communities.
Call Now (386) 272-5697Frequently asked questions
Can I shower after a main break?
You can shower, but avoid getting water in your mouth or eyes. Use boiled or bottled water for brushing teeth and for any open wounds. If the advisory says do not use the water at all, follow that instruction and use bottled water for hygiene.
How long does a boil-water advisory last?
It depends on the extent of the break and the test results. Advisories often last 24 to 48 hours, but they can be longer if contamination is found. The utility will lift the advisory only after tests show the water is safe.
What if I already drank the water?
If you drank water before the advisory was issued, you may not get sick, but watch for symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, or fever. If you feel unwell, see a doctor. Most healthy adults recover without treatment, but children and older adults should be monitored closely.