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A broken water main has caused the water in an operation to appear brown. What should the manager do?

  1. Filter the water

  2. Use the water as normal

  3. Boil the water

  4. Contact the local regulatory authority before use

The correct answer is: Contact the local regulatory authority before use

The correct action in this situation is to contact the local regulatory authority before using the water. When a broken water main causes discoloration, it indicates a potential contamination issue that could pose health risks to customers and staff. Communicating with local health officials ensures that the management receives accurate guidance on the safety of the water supply and any necessary precautions or actions that need to be taken. It is crucial to prioritize safety over convenience in food service operations, and regulatory authorities can provide authoritative input on whether and when the water might be safe to use again. This is an essential step for compliance with health regulations and for protecting public health. Using water that appears brown without consultation could lead to serving contaminated water or food, resulting in potential legal and health repercussions. Filtering or boiling the water alone may not sufficiently address contamination issues caused by a water main break, making it essential to involve the relevant authorities.