During a Boil Water Advisory or Order

In an emergency situation, tap water may not be safe to drink or use. As such, it is important to prepare an emergency water supply for yourself and your family. It is also essential to know how to make contaminated water safe to drink. A boil water advisory is a precautionary recommendation. A boil water order is only issued if contamination has been confirmed. In either instance, residents are asked to boil their tap water before use including washing dishes, drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth.

How to Boil Water During a Boil Water Advisory Order

A boil water advisory is a precautionary recommendation. A boil water order is only issued if contamination has been confirmed. In either instance, residents are asked to boil their tap water before:

  • Washing dishes
  • Drinking
  • Cooking
  • Brushing teeth
  1. Fill pot with water and bring water to full boil (212°F).
  2. Allow water to boil for 1-3 minutes.
  3. Turn off the heat and allow water to cool for 30 minutes.
  4. Pour the cooled water into a container with a sealed lid and store for emergency use.

Additional Tips

  • If the water is cloudy before boiling it, place a clean cloth over a jar and pour water through the cloth to filter it.
  • A campfire, portable stove or microwave can also be used to boil water.
  • Improve the taste of boiled water by adding a teaspoon of salt to every 1/4 gallon of water.