What must be issued if the distribution system drops below the minimum pressure?

When the distribution system experiences a drop below the minimum pressure, it poses significant risks to the safety and quality of drinking water. This scenario often creates a potential pathway for contaminants to enter the system, which could compromise public health. A boil water advisory is a critical public health tool that is issued to inform consumers that the water supply may be unsafe to drink without boiling it first. This advisory is a precautionary measure to prevent illness while the utility investigates the cause of the pressure drop and ensures that the water quality meets safety standards.

Instituting a boil water advisory helps manage the response to potential contamination until tests confirm the water is safe again. It effectively communicates the urgency and necessity for consumers to take precautions with their water use. Other options, while relevant to different contexts, do not specifically address the immediate health concerns following a pressure drop in the distribution system.