Drinking Water Advisories

Utilize Safe Water Best Practices Following a Boil Water Advisory

Use bottled water or boil tap water if your local officials issue a boil water advisory. This is due to the fact that a boil water advisory indicates that there are potentially harmful bacteria in the water in your community. Below is a list of FAQs that answer some concerns that you may have.  

Boil Water Advisory FAQs

When do I need to boil water?

Any time water is used for consumption - eating or drinking - even if used in something like a coffee maker or ice machine. It is not necessary to boil tap water used for other household purposes, such as showering, laundry, or bathing. Adults, teens, and older children can wash, bathe, or shower; however, they should avoid swallowing the water. Toddlers and infants should be sponge-bathed.

How should tap water be boiled properly?

Water should be placed in a heat-resistant container or an electric kettle without an automatic shut-off and brought to a rolling boil for 1 minute to kill all disease-causing organisms. Water can also be boiled in a microwave oven using a microwave-safe container, but it is advisable to include a glass rod or wooden or plastic stir stick in the container to prevent the formation of superheated water (water heated above its boiling point, without the formation of steam). The water should then be cooled and poured into a clean container or refrigerated until ready to use.

Can I use the water to wash dishes?
  • If possible, use disposable plates, cups, and utensils during a boil water advisory.
  • Household dishwashers are generally safe to use if:
    • The water reaches a final rinse temperature of at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit (66° Celsius), or
    • The dishwater has a sanitizing cycle.
  • Sanitize all baby bottles.
  • To wash dishes by hand:
    • Wash and rinse the dishes as you normally would with hot water.
    • In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water.
    • Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least one minute.
    • Let the dishes air dry completely before using again.
Can I use the water in a humidifier or diffuser?

Yes, but the boiled water should be cooled down completely before using it in a humidifier.  

Can I wash my hands or shower?

Handwashing

  • In many cases, you can use tap water and soap to wash hands during a boil water advisory. Follow the guidance from your local public health officials.
  • Be sure to scrub your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Then, rinse them well under running water.
  • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Bathing and showering

  • Be careful not to swallow any water when bathing or showering.
  • Use caution when bathing babies and young children. Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water.
Is it safe to use the water with my pets?

Caring for pets

  • Pets can get sick from some of the same germs as people or spread germs to people. Give pets bottled water or boiled water that has cooled.
  • If bottled water is not available, bring water to a full rolling boil for 1 minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for 3 minutes). After boiling, allow the water to cool before use.
  • Boil tap water even if it is filtered (for example, by a home water filter or a pitcher that filters water).
  • Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water line, such as ice and water from a refrigerator.

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