Which action should be taken if a public water supply is contaminated?

When a public water supply is contaminated, flushing and disinfecting the system is essential to ensure that any harmful contaminants are removed effectively. This action typically involves running water through the system to eliminate any pathogen contamination and then applying a disinfectant, such as chlorine, to eradicate any residual threats. Proper flushing can restore the safety of the water and is often a critical step in managing a contamination incident.

While using bottled water exclusively might temporarily provide safe drinking water, it does not address the underlying issue of the contaminated supply. Closing the establishment could be necessary in some circumstances, but it is not always the immediate response unless the contamination poses a severe health risk. Contacting a private contractor may be an option for larger remediation efforts, but it does not directly resolve the contamination issue within the public system. Therefore, flushing and disinfecting the system is the most effective immediate action to take in response to water supply contamination.