Boil Water Advisories

• Adults, teens and older children can use un-boiled water for baths and showers 
• Small children can be given sponge-baths instead of tub baths or showers 
• Do not swallow any water used for showers and baths 

Boil your water at a rolling boil for at least 1 (ONE) MINUTE and allow it to cool before using it to: 

• Drink 
• Brush your teeth or rinse dentures 
• Prepare food, wash fruits, vegetables, and other food 
• Prepare infant formula 
• Make ice, beverages, or other mixes 
• Wash dishes 
• Provide drinking water to pets 

You may also use bottled water or commercially treated water from an approved source.  

Please note that an activated carbon filter (such as a Brita® filter) are never an acceptable alternative to boiling water during a boil water advisory. These filters are not designed to remove microbiological contaminants that may be present in the water during a boil water advisory. If you have a water filtration or purification system installed, consult with a water treatment specialist regarding the need to replace filters once a boil water advisory has been lifted. Also, keep in mind that many electric kettles do not allow water to boil for one full minute. It is recommended to boil your water on a stove top or similar appliance. 

Hand hygiene is an important measure to help prevent the spread of germs and should be performed during a boil water advisory. 

• Use of an alcohol-based hand rub (70%) is recommended for hands that are not visibly soiled 
• If hands are visibly soiled, hands should be cleaned with a disposable wet wipe, then an alcohol-based hand rub should be applied 
• If disposable hand wipes are not available, hands should be washed with water and soap, dried, and then an alcohol-based hand rub should be applied to hands 

It is safe to do laundry with the water. 

1. Clean a food-grade container and its lid with hot soapy water. 
2. Rinse the container and lid with clean water that has been boiled or from another source not affected by the advisory. 
3. Disinfect your container by mixing 10 teaspoons (50 mL) of liquid, non-scented household bleach with 1.1 gallons (5 L) of water that has been boiled and cooled, or water from another source not affected by the advisory. 
4. Ensuring the lid is securely on, shake the container for at least 1 minute. 
5. Use the same solution to disinfect the cap, lid, and mouth of the container. 
6. Empty the container and let air dry. 
7. Replace the lid. 
8. Protect the container from being exposed to the water affected by the advisory (if the water has not been boiled first). 
9. Avoid touching the mouth, cap, or lid of the container. 
10. Keep the container in a clean area, like a shelf or counter, away from surfaces (such as floors) where they may become dirty or soiled. 
11. Replace the lid on container after each use. 
12. Clean and disinfect the container and lid as described above before re-filling the container with drinking water that has been boiled and cooled or water from another potable source.