Boil Water Advisory

How to boil water if you are in the affected area

• Fill a pot with water.
• Heat the water until bubbles come from the bottom of the pot to the top.
• Once the water reaches a rolling boil, let it boil for 5 minutes.
• Turn off the heat source and let the water cool.
• Pour the water into a clean container with a cover for storage.

How to disinfect water if you are unable to boil your water

• If tap water is clear:
  • Use unscented bleach (bleach that does not have added scent).
  • All 1/8 teaspoon teaspoon (8 drops or about 0.75 milliliters) of unscented household liquid bleach to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water.
  • Mix well and wait 30 minutes or more before drinking.
  • Store disinfected water in clean container with a cover.
• If tap water is cloudy:
  • Filter water using clean cloth.
  • Use unscented bleach  (bleach that does not have an added scent).
  • Add 1/4 teaspoon (16 drops or 1.5 milliliters) of unscented household liquid bleach to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water.
  • Mix well and wait 30 minutes or more before drinking.
  • Store disinfected water in clean container with a cover.

Remember that containers may need to be sanitized before using them to store safe water.

• To sanitize containers:
  • Use unscented bleach (bleach that does not have an added scent).
  • Make a sanitizing solution by mixing 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of unscented household liquid bleach in 1 quart (32 ounces, 4 cups, or about 1 liter) of water.
  • Pour this sanitizing solution into a clean storage container and shake well, making sure that the solution coats the entire inside of the container.
  • Let the clean storage container sit at least 30 seconds, and then pour the solution out of the container.
  • Let empty container air dry OR rinse it with clean water that has already been made safe, if available.