Drinking water advisories

Drinking water advisories are issued to warn the public of potentially unsafe water and outline what precautions should be taken to prevent injury and illness. There are three types of advisories:

Boil water advisories
- Are issued when a condition exists in a drinking water supply that can be corrected by boiling the water before consumption.
Do not drink advisories
- Are issued when a condition exists in a drinking water supply that cannot be corrected by boiling or disinfecting the water.
- Customers should use an alternative water source for drinking or cooking (i.e. bottled water).
Do not use advisories
- Are issued when chemical or radiological contaminants are suspected or confirmed in the drinking water supply.
- Boiling or disinfecting the water will not remove the contaminant, and the water should not be used for any purpose (including drinking, bathing, cooking, etc.).

How do I know if a drinking water advisory has been issued?

Your municipality or local water utility company will notify users via various communication channels, including phone messages, door-to-door notifications, radio ads and social media posts.
Signage may be posted at entrances to businesses, drinking water fountains or at hand washing sinks.
Southeast Public Health may issue a public service announcement under certain circumstances (e.g., oil spill).
Boil water advisories are listed on our Inspections and enforcement page, under small water drinking systems.

Frequently asked questions during a boil water advisory (BWA)

Why did Southeast Public Health issue a boil water advisory?

A boil water advisory is issued by Southeast Public Health if evidence suggests the water is unsafe, e.g., unacceptable microbiological levels of E. coli or total coliform. A boil water advisory notifies users that their water is potentially unsafe, it explains that boiling is required to make the water safe and educates the public about how to boil their water to make it safe.

How can I use water safely during a boil water advisory?

Water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute to make sure it is safe to use.

Water should NOT be used for drinking, making infant formula and juices, cooking, making ice, washing fruits, vegetables or brushing teeth. For these purposes, boiled water or bottled water should be used.

Discard previously made ice and disinfect ice cube trays. Do not use water from refrigerators and appliances, such as coffee makers. Discard any ready to eat products made with the water, e.g., juice.

Can I take a bath or shower during a boil water advisory?

Yes, as long as the water is not swallowed.
If the bather may consume the water, they could have a sponge-bath or shower with a hand-held showerhead, avoiding the face.

Can I use the water for washing my hands?

YES – if the boil water advisory has been issued as a precaution and there is no outbreak of human illness.

NO – if the boil water advisory has been issued because of an outbreak.

To treat water used for hand-washing:
- Mix 1.5 oz (45 ml) liquid household bleach with 10 gallons (45 litres) water.
- Mix and let stand for at least 10 minutes prior to use.
Or, use alcohol-based hand rub, containing more than 60% alcohol after using water from the tap.
Wet wipes used for cleaning babies during diaper changes are not effective for disinfecting hands.

Is it safe to use the dishwasher?

If your dishwasher has a hot setting, it is safe to use.
If your dishwasher does not have a hot setting, after the cycle, soak dishes for one minute in a solution of one oz. (30 ml) of bleach mixed with three gallons (13.5 litres) of lukewarm water. Let dishes air dry.

How do I safely wash dishes by hand?

Use boiled water for washing dishes.
Or, wash dishes in water and disinfect with the following bleach solution:
- Mix 1 oz. (30 ml) bleach with three gallons (13.5 litres) of water at room temperature for at least one minute.
- Let dishes air dry.

Do I need to change the way I do laundry?

No, continue doing laundry the way you usually do.

Is the water safe to fill wading pools for children?

No, the water is not safe so should not be used to fill a wading pool for children.

If I have a water filtration device installed, does this make the water safe for drinking and cooking?

No. Filtered water should also be brought to a rolling boil for one minute before drinking or using it for cooking.

My doctor told me I am immune-compromised. What should I do?

Consult your primary care provider for advice.

What should I do about animals and pets during a boil water advisory?

Consult your veterinarian for advice.

When will the boil water advisory be over?

The boil water advisory will end when Southeast Public Health has determined that the drinking water from the drinking water system does not present a health or safety risk to users. In most cases, Southeast Public Health will require lab analysis of the water showing acceptable results, i.e., no E. coli or total coliforms, from two consecutive sets of water samples taken 24 to 48 hours apart, from all parts of the distribution system that was affected.

How will I know the boil water advisory is over?

You will be notified by the water system operator when the boil water advisory is over.

What should I do to make sure my water is safe after a boil water advisory is over?

Run cold water faucets for one minute before using the water.
Run drinking fountains for one minute before using the water.
Flush all garden hoses by running cold water through them for one minute.
Run water softener through a regeneration cycle.
Drain and refill hot water heaters set below 45°C (normal setting is 60°C).