What do to during a boil water advisory — 7 tips from CDC experts
- Only drink tap water after you've boiled it. Once you notice a rolling boil, let it continue for one minute before you turn off the heat and let the water cool. Store the water in a clean container with a cover
- Can you drink water from a water filter or use ice from an ice tray? You should still boil tap water even if you're using a water filter. According to the Centers for Disease Control, most water filters don't remove bacterium or viruses. And no, do not use the ice in your ice tray. Throw out all ice made with tap water, including ice in trays, dispensers or ice makers. Instead, make new ice with boiled or bottled water.
- Cooking food under a boil water advisory: Wash any food prep surfaces with boiled water, and wash your ingredients with boiled water that has cooled (or use bottled water). Use boiled water when preparing beverages like coffee, tea and lemonade.
- What about washing dishes? It's OK to use your dishwasher as long as your appliance reaches a final rinse temperature of at least 150 degrees (or if your appliance has a sanitizing cycle), according to the CDC. You can also use hot water mixed with a teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of hot water to hand-wash your dishes. Just soak the rinsed dishes in the mixed water for at least one minute and let them air dry.
- Is it safe to take a shower or brush your teeth? It is safe to take a shower or bath, but be careful to not swallow any water. When brushing teeth, use boiled or bottled water. If you have a baby or young child, consider giving them a sponge bath instead.
- How to feed your baby safely under a boil water advisory: While CDC experts recommend breastfeeding, if that isn't an option, use ready-to-use baby formula.
- Is the water safe for your pet? Follow the same guidelines for pets as you would for yourself and your family. Give your fur babies boiled water that has been cooled or bottled water.
More about boil water advisory safety at CDC.gov.
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