What to Do During A Boil Water Advisory

Boil Water

Fill a pot with water.
Heat the water until bubbles come from the bottom of the pot to the top.
Once the water reaches a rolling boil, let it boil for 1-2 minutes.
Turn off the heat source and let the water cool.
Pour the water into a clean container with a cover for storage.

If you are unable to boil your water, disinfect it instead.

Water filters

Boil tap water even if it is filtered. Most kitchen and other household water filters typically do not remove bacteria or viruses.

If tap water is clear:

Use unscented bleach (bleach that does not have an added scent).
Add 1/8 teaspoon (8 drops or about 0.75 milliliters) of unscented household liquid bleach to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water.
Mix well and wait 30 minutes or more before drinking.
Store disinfected water in clean container with a cover.

If tap water is cloudy:

Filter water using clean cloth.
Use unscented bleach (bleach that does not have an added scent).
Add 1/4 teaspoon (16 drops or 1.5 milliliters) of unscented household liquid bleach to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water.
Mix well and wait 30 minutes or more before drinking.
Store disinfected water in clean container with a cover.

Remember that containers may need to be sanitized before using them to store safe water.

To sanitize containers:

Use unscented bleach (bleach that does not have an added scent).
Make a sanitizing solution by mixing 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of unscented household liquid bleach in 1 quart (32 ounces, 4 cups, or about 1 liter) of water.
Pour this sanitizing solution into a clean storage container and shake well, making sure that the solution coats the entire inside of the container.
Let the clean storage container sit at least 30 seconds, and then pour the solution out of the container.
Let empty container air dry OR rinse it with clean water that has already been made safe, if available. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners. Open windows and doors to get fresh air when you use bleach.

Preparing and cooking food

Wash all fruits and vegetables with boiled water that has cooled or bottled water.
Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute before adding food to cook.
Use boiled water when preparing drinks, such as coffee, tea, and lemonade
Wash food preparation surfaces with boiled water.

Feeding babies and using formula

Breastfeeding is best. Continue to breastfeed. If breastfeeding is not an option:
Use ready-to-use baby formula, if possible.
Prepare powdered or concentrated baby formula with bottled water. Use boiled water if you do not have bottled water. Disinfect water for baby formula if you cannot boil your water.
Wash and sterilize bottles and nipples before use.
If you cannot sterilize bottles, try to use single-serve, ready-to-feed bottles.

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.

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.

Brushing teeth

Brush teeth with boiled or bottled water. Do not use untreated tap water.

Washing dishes

Household dishwashers generally are safe to use if the water reaches a final rinse temperature of at least 150 degrees or if the dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle.

To wash dishes by hand:

Wash and rinse the dishes as you normally would using 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.

Laundry

It is safe to do laundry as usual.

Pets

Pets can get some of the same diseases as people. It is a good idea to give them boiled water that has been cooled.

Download and print the Boil Water Advisory Fact Sheet.

Information on this page was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Water Works Association in collaboration with the US Environmental Protection Agency and Other Partners.

COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS