Water outages and boil water notices

Water can be cut off by a pipe break, low pressure, or a freeze. In historic winter storms, after many hours below freezing, entire cities received a boil water notice because pressure dropped below 20 PSI in parts of the system. When pressure drops, contamination can enter the network, which is why the notice is issued.

If the water is cut off

1. Report it. If you see water gushing in the street or in the complex, call your water utility (they usually have a 24-hour emergency line). If the leak is inside the complex, also notify the management.
2. Close your shutoff valve if you suspect a broken pipe inside your home or apartment. Locate it today: it's usually under the sink, behind the water heater, or in a utility closet.
3. Use your reserve. The goal is 1 gallon (3.8 L) per person per day, plus water for pets according to their weight. Details in chapter 3.
4. The toilet tank (not the bowl) and the water heater are emergency reserves. Water from the toilet tank is good for flushing; drink it only after making it safe and if it has no cleaning chemicals.
5. For the toilet without water: flush by pouring a bucket of water directly into the bowl, or use a heavy trash bag inside the bowl with a little cat litter or sawdust.

Boil water notice

1. Boil. Bring the water to a rolling boil, with continuous bubbling, and hold it for 2 minutes (follow what your water utility says in its notice). Let it cool before using it.
2. Use boiled or bottled water for: drinking, preparing beverages and formula, cooking, washing fruits and vegetables, making ice, brushing your teeth, and washing your hands and face. Also for your pets' water.
3. Throw out the ice your refrigerator made during the notice and turn off the ice maker.
4. Bathing: you can, but without swallowing water. For babies and people with wounds, use a sponge bath with boiled water.
5. Wait for the notice to be lifted (rescinded). Don't stop boiling until your water utility announces the water is safe. When it ends, run the cold water from each tap for a few minutes and change the filters in the refrigerator or pitcher.