Boil Water Advisories – FAQs

You should continue to boil water until the boil water advisory has been lifted and you receive notification from LCA.

Yes. If bottled water is available, that is the best option. If you do not have bottled water available, the next best option is to boil your tap water to make it safe to drink.

• Fill a pot with cold water.
• Heat the water until bubbles come quickly from the bottom of the pot to the top.
• Keep heating the water for one full minute.
• Turn off the heat source and let the water cool.
• Pour water into a clean, sanitized container with a cover for storage.

To improve the taste of boiled water you can:

• Pour cooled, boiled water back and forth from one clean glass or container into another to add air to the water, or
• Let the water stand for a few hours, or
• Add a pinch of salt to each quart of boiled water.

Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water lines. This includes the water and ice dispensers in your refrigerator/freezer. Most kitchen and other household water filters typically do not remove or kill all bacteria or viruses.

• Use bottled, boiled, or disinfected water to make coffee and ice.
• When the boil water advisory is lifted, consult the owner’s manual to find out how to sanitize appliances.

• Do not use ice from ice trays, ice dispensers, or ice makers.
• Throw out all ice made with tap water.
• Make new ice with bottled, boiled, or disinfected water.

• Wash fruits and vegetables with bottled, boiled, or disinfected water.
• Use bottled or boiled water that has cooled to cook food.
• Use bottled, boiled, or disinfected water when preparing drinks, such as coffee, tea, and lemonade.
• Wash food preparation surfaces with bottled, boiled, or disinfected water.

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.
• Wash and sterilize bottles and nipples before use with bottled or boiled water.
• If you cannot sterilize bottles, try to use single-serve, ready-to-feed bottles.

Use disposable plates, cups, and utensils, if possible. If you do not have disposable dishes, follow the instructions below.

Household dishwashers generally are safe to use. If possible, set your dishwasher so it is using a hot water rinse or 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 1 minute.
• Let the dishes air dry completely before using them again.

Most people who happen to drink this water will not get sick. If you do get sick, the symptoms are similar to food poisoning: nausea, diarrhea, cramps, and possibly a mild fever.

The most important thing to do is avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid drinks with caffeine, such as soda, coffee, and tea. If you are concerned about your health or the health of a family member, contact your healthcare provider or local health department.

In many situations, you can use tap water and soap to wash your hands. Follow the guidance of your local public health officials or emergency managers. Be sure to scrub your hands with soap and water (warm or cold) for 20 seconds and rinse them well under running water. It is important to dry hands completely with a towel or by letting them air dry.

No. Use bottled water or boiled water that has cooled to brush your teeth.

Yes, it is safe to take a bath or shower, but be careful not to swallow any water. Use caution when bathing babies and young children. Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water.

You can shave as usual.

Yes, it is safe to do laundry as usual.

Yes. Pets can get sick from the same contaminants as people. It is a good idea to give them bottled, boiled, or disinfected water. Boiled water should always be cooled before using.

Most germs that infect people do not infect reptiles or fish. If your water system is using more chlorine or changing disinfection, be cautious about changing the water in your fish tank or aquarium. Standard aquarium operations require removal of chlorine and chloramines, which can be toxic to fish and reptiles.

Contact your local pet store or veterinarian for more information.

Yes, you can use the tap water for household plants and gardens.

No. Due to the high chance that children will get water in their mouth while playing in a kiddie pool, we recommend that you avoid using your kiddie pool during the boil water advisory.