When is a boil water advisory typically issued?

A boil water advisory is typically issued during contamination events. This situation arises when there is a confirmed or suspected presence of harmful microorganisms, chemicals, or pathogens in the water supply that can pose health risks if ingested. The advisory serves as a precautionary measure to inform the public that the water may not be safe for drinking or cooking, and boiling it is a reliable way to ensure that any potential contaminants are eliminated.

In contrast, routine maintenance, system upgrades, or the installation of new pipes generally do not trigger boil water advisories since these activities typically have established protocols to maintain water quality. During these processes, water quality monitoring is often in place to ensure safety, but they can still result in temporary disruptions that are not indicative of contamination.