Guidelines for Lodging and Camping Establishments Under a Boil Water Advisory
All VDH-permitted establishments offering overnight accommodations are affected if a boil water advisory (BWA) is issued in your area. This includes hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfasts, hostels, summer camps, campgrounds, or RV parks. Call (804) 748-1691 x3 to learn how the BWA impacts your operations and if you can stay open.
Lodging and camping facilities can stay open if they provide a SAFE drinking water source for guests. Facilities that offer food or ice should follow the Emergency Guidelines for Food Establishments Under a Boil Water Advisory.
SAFE water is only:
- 商业瓶装水，
- Hauled water from a waterworks regulated by the Office of Drinking Water (ODW) that is not under a BWA or from a private home. The water shall be transported in a covered, food-grade, sanitized container, OR
- Boiled water: Boil water by bringing tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute on a stovetop, in an electric kettle, or in a microwave using a microwave-safe container. For large amounts of water, make sure all parts of the water are at a full boil for one minute.
The facility owner or operator must put up signs in the facility entrances, hotel/motel rooms, cabins, kitchens, front desk areas, and public restrooms with these instructions:
- Do not drink tap water or use it to make coffee or baby formula, brush teeth, or bathe infants
- How to get SAFE drinking water
洗手
- It is recommended to use SAFE water (in a temporary or portable setup) for handwashing.
- Alternative: Wash hands with soap and tap water and rinse well under running water. If available, use hand sanitizer or hand wipes with at least 60% alcohol.
- If handwashing is unavailable, patrons can also use hand sanitizer or alcohol wipes alone.
Pools and Hot Tubs/ Spas
- Keep pools and hot tubs/spas closed during a BWA unless the water authority says it’s safe. When the BWA ends, let the system refresh all the water (one full turnover).
- It may be safe to stay open if:
- There is no risk of harmful germs like cryptosporidium
- The water is clear
- Chlorine and pH levels are balanced to keep swimmers safe
- For systems that need fresh water added regularly to run, test the disinfectant more often until the BWA ends.
个人卫生
- Only use SAFE water to brush teeth.
- Adults, teens, and older children can shower or bathe, though they should avoid getting water in their mouth or swallowing the water. Infants and toddlers should be sponge bathed. Patrons should consult with their physician or health care provider for wound care instructions.
Tap Water
- Tap water can be used for toilet flushing, floor cleaning with disinfection, and laundry.
- Patrons should follow the BWA on how to wash dishes in lodging facilities that have kitchens or kitchenettes.