What is a critical step to take when there is known or suspected bacteriological contamination of water?

When there is known or suspected bacteriological contamination of water, initiating a boil order is essential for public health safety. A boil order advises consumers to boil their drinking water before consumption. This step effectively kills pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria that could cause illness. Boiling water at a rolling boil for at least one minute significantly reduces the risk of waterborne diseases.

Other methods, such as filtration, increasing chlorine levels, or closing the water system, may not be immediately effective in addressing the health risks posed by microbiological contaminants. Filtration might not remove all bacteria, and merely increasing chlorine levels can take time to achieve adequate disinfection. Closing the water system is a drastic measure that may not be feasible or necessary in many situations. Therefore, implementing a boil order serves as a straightforward and immediate public health intervention to protect consumers from potential harm.