Chapter 16 · Chemical, biological, and pandemic…
16.5 Water contamination
Tap water can become contaminated from a break, a flood, a pressure failure, or a chemical. Your water utility or public health will issue a notice. What matters is knowing which kind:
| Type of notice | What it means | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Boil water | Possible germs. | Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute before drinking, cooking, brushing your teeth, or preparing formula. |
| Do not drink | Usually chemicals or toxins. | Use bottled water for drinking and cooking. Boiling does not make it safe. |
| Do not use | Contamination that makes any contact dangerous. It is uncommon. | Use bottled water for everything, including hygiene. |
- Boiling kills germs, but water with chemicals or toxins does not become safe by boiling it (CDC).
- Your stored water supply and the water in your water heater are your safe sources while the notice lasts. See chapter 3 for storing and purifying water.
- Pets should drink the same safe water you do.
- When the notice is lifted, follow the instructions to flush the pipes (run the water) and change filters.
