Boil Water Notice FAQs

Ice already in your freezer when the boil water notice is issued is safe, but icemakers should be turned off until the notice is lifted. Then empty the ice tray several times to flush the water line to the ice maker. Freezing does not disinfect water.

It is safe to fill your pool with tap water and let the pool chemicals do their work, but do not use pool water for drinking or cooking!

Tap water is safe for house plants and outdoor irrigation.

Vigorous boiling for at least one full minute is the safest and most effective method of water disinfection. Fill a pan or pot with cold water, and start timing when steady streams of bubbles pop from the bottom of the pan. Be careful lifting heavy pots and pans, and cool the water before using it for washing or tooth brushing. Store the disinfected water in clean, covered containers. Using bottled water is an option.

Water filters in refrigerators and pitchers do not remove bacteria. For under-sink filters, read the manual or check with your installer to determine the filter’s bacteria-removal capabilities. If in doubt, boil the water.

Most dishwashers do not reach high enough temperatures to kill bacteria, so dishes should be washed in boiled water. You also can wash with tap water and rinse dishes for a minute in a solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach and a gallon of tap water. Allow dishes to completely air dry.

Use boiled or bottled water to brush your teeth, but tap water is fine for bathing, showering and shaving. Avoid getting water in your mouth, eyes and nose, and keep an eye on children in the bathtub. People with recent cuts, surgical wounds, immunity problems or chronic illnesses may consider using boiled water for bathing. Parents may want to use water that has been boiled and cooled to bathe newborns and young infants.

If you accidentally drink tap water, don’t panic – the chances of becoming ill are slim. See your doctor if you experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps, but illnesses caused by waterborne germs usually are not serious.