Boil-water notice: what to do and for how long?

Boil-water notices are issued when microbial contamination (E. coli, coliforms, pipe break) is suspected. Follow your utility's instructions:

1. Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute (3 min above 2,000 m). 2. Use boiled or bottled water for: drinking, cooking, ice, brushing teeth, baby bottles, pets, washing raw vegetables. 3. Showering is OK (except for infants and open wounds); don't swallow water. 4. Dishwasher ≥65 °C is safe; otherwise hand-wash and rinse with boiled water. 5. Hot-cycle laundry is safe. 6. After lifting: run all cold taps 5 minutes, dump ice in freezer, clean kettles and coffee makers.

Sources: WHO GDWQ (2022) §A2.5; CDC Boil Water Advisory Guidance.