Boil Water Advisory Tips

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Use Tap Water For:

Washing clothes (unless cloudy)
Taking showers  (for adults and older children)
Flushing toilets
Making ice
Brushing teeth
Giving water to pets

Use Boiled Water For:

Washing fruits & vegetables
Preparing food
Making ice
Mixing infant formula
Brushing teeth
Giving water to pets

Use Extra Caution For:

Most filters do not remove bacteria or viruses
Coffee makers, vending machines and soda dispensers with water line supply
Bathing infants/toddlers (give sponge bath, with cooled, boiled water)


Boiling Water

How do I boil my water during an advisory?

Fill a pot with water.
Turn off the heat source and let the water cool.
Pour water into a clean container with a cover for storage


Why do I have to boil my water?

Your water [may be, is] contaminated by [bacteria]. Contamination may be due to equipment failure, leaking pipes in the system, or insufficient disinfectant in the water supply. The Boil Water Advisory gives you information so you can take action to protect your health.

I cannot boil my water. How do I disinfect my water to make it safe to drink?

If tap water is clear:
••Use bleach that does not have an added scent (like lemon).
1 gallon (16 cups) of water.
••Mix well and wait 30 minutes or more before drinking.
••Store disinfected water in a clean contain with a cover.
If tap water is cloudy:
••Filter through a clean cloth
••Store disinfected water in a clean container with a cover.
Remember that containers may need to be sanitized before using them to store safe water:
or about 1 liter) of water.
entire inside of the container.
••Let sit at least 30 seconds, and then pour out solution.


Should I use bottled water?

You may choose to use bottled water if it is available.

I don’t like the taste of boiled water. What can I do?

To improve the taste you can:
••Let the water stand for a few hours.
••Add a pinch of salt to each quart of boiled water.

Food and Beverages

Can I use my coffee maker, ice machine, or water or soda dispenser?

••Use boiled or bottled water to make coffee and ice.
••Filters do not remove or kill bacteria or viruses.
••When the boil water advisory is lifted, consult the owner’s manual and sanitize appliances.
What about ice?
••Do not use ice from ice trays, ice dispensers, or ice makers.
••Throw out all ice made with tap water.
••Make new ice with boiled or bottled water.

What should I do about preparing food and beverages? How should I wash fruit, vegetables, and food preparation surfaces?

••Wash fruits and vegetables with cooled, boiled water or bottled water.
••Bring water to a rolling boil for one minute before adding food to cook.
••Wash food preparation surfaces with boiled water.


What should I do about feeding my baby?

Breastfeeding is best. Continue to breastfeed. If breastfeeding is not an option:
••Use ready-to-use formula, if possible.
••Wash and sterilize bottles and nipples before use.
••If you cannot sterilize bottles, try to use single-serve, ready-to-feed bottles.

How do I wash dishes during a Boil Water Advisory?

has a sanitizing cycle.

To wash dishes by hand:
••Wash and rinse the dishes as normal using hot water.
••Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least 1 minute.
••Let the dishes air dry completely.


I already drank the water. Will I get sick?


What should I do if I have symptoms?


Should I give my pets boiled water?

that has been cooled.



Is it safe to water my garden and house plants?

You can use tap water for household plants and gardens.

What [microbe, organisms, germs, bacteria] might be in the water?
Many types of microbes could be in the water. Water systems are concerned about bacteria (E. coli), viruses (norovirus), and parasites (Cryptosporidium).
Human illness from these microbes is usually caused by eating raw or undercooked food, recreational or other untreated water, or poor hand-washing. Diarrheal illness from these microbes is not usually life threatening, except in the elderly, the very young, or those with weak immune systems. If you are concerned, consult your health care provider or contact [local health department].


Can I use tap water to brush my teeth?

Is it safe to take a shower or bath?

What about shaving?

Yes, you can shave as usual.

What about doing laundry?

Yes, it is safe to do laundry as usual.

Click here to
Read More About Emergency Disinfection Of Drinking Water

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