Boil Water Advisory in Effect for Hyattsville, Cheverly, Seat Pleasant, Capitol Heights and Other Nearby Areas in Prince George’s County, Maryland

PRINCE GEORGE ‘S COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Division of Environmental Health
Precautionary Water Advisory for Food Service Establishments and Nursing Homes
Date: July 19, 2025 

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission has issued a precautionary BOIL WATER ADVISORY for a portion of Prince George’s County. Food establishments must close until the Health Department approves their reopening.
During the Advisory:
•Do not serve or consume water, ice, or drinks made with tap water that have not been properly disinfected. It is recommended that BOTTLED WATER BE SERVED and used when making drinks for nursing home residents. Ice must be purchased from an approved source.
•Do not wash food that is to be served raw with water that has not been properly disinfected.
•Empty all ice machines and ice storage bins and discard the ice. Turn off the ice machine so that no new ice is produced.

What to do when the advisory is rescinded?
•Sanitize food contact surfaces of equipment, dishes, and utensils by:▪Immersing in hot water of 170 degrees F or higher temperature for at least 30 seconds

    ▪Use of a chemical sanitizer:

           ❖Chlorine at a concentration of 50 parts per million with a minimum water temperature of 75 degrees F for a minimum of 7 seconds

            ❖Iodine at a concentration of 12.5-25 parts per million with a minimum water temperature of 75 degrees F for a minimum of 7 seconds.

        ▪Commercial dish washers that use hot water sanitation of at least 160 degrees F
•Re-start and flush any water-using fixture.•Drain any refill water-holding reservoirs such as the hot water heater.

•Run each water faucet for 1 minute before using the water.•Run drinking water fountains for 1 minute before using the water.

•Ice Makers

         ❖Flush the water line to the machine inlet, disconnect the water line from the machine inlet, run 5 gallons of water through the valve, and dispose of the water.

         ❖Flush the water lines in the machine.

         ❖Make ice for 1 hour and dispose of the ice.

         ❖Clean and disinfect all parts and surfaces that come in contact with water and ice.

FOR QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT THE FOOD PROTECTION PROGRAM 301-883-7690during the day or 240-508-5868 after hours.