What to do during a boil-water notice

Last checked against the sources below: November 3, 2026. Written by Bloomsteader LLC. General information only.

How to boil water

1. If the water is cloudy, let it settle, then filter it through a clean cloth, paper towel or coffee filter.
2. Bring it to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute. Above 5,000 feet, boil for 3 minutes.
3. Let it cool naturally, then store it in clean containers with covers.

A pinch of salt per quart, or pouring the water between clean containers, helps the flat taste.

If you can't boil: use bleach

Boil if you can. EPA says boiling is enough to kill bacteria, viruses and protozoa, and describes bleach as what to use if you can't boil. Only use regular, unscented liquid chlorine bleach that's labeled for disinfecting and sanitizing, that has been stored at room temperature for less than a year. Don't use scented or color-safe bleach, or bleach with added cleaners. Check the label for the strength. EPA's amounts are only for 6% and 8.25% bleach. If yours is a different strength, use bottled water or follow your local health department's advice.

Water	6% bleach	8.25% bleach
1 quart or liter	2 drops	2 drops
1 gallon	8 drops	6 drops
2 gallons	16 drops	12 drops

1. If the water is cloudy, let it settle and filter it first.
2. Add the bleach using a clean dropper. Double the amount if the water is cloudy, colored or very cold.
3. Stir and let it stand for 30 minutes. It should smell slightly of chlorine.
4. If it doesn't, repeat the dose and let it stand for another 15 minutes.

Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners.

What to use safe water for

Use	What to do
Drinks and cooking	Use boiled, bottled or disinfected water for all of it, including coffee, tea and rinsing fruit and vegetables. Bring cooking water to a rolling boil for 1 minute before adding food.
Ice	Throw out ice made with tap water, and don't use your ice maker or dispenser. Make new ice with safe water.
Brushing teeth	Use boiled or bottled water.
Babies and formula	Keep breastfeeding if you can. Otherwise use ready-to-use formula if available. Make powdered or concentrated formula with bottled water. If you have none, use boiled water that has cooled, or disinfected water if you can't boil. Wash and sterilize bottles and nipples. If you can't sterilize them, try single-serve, ready-to-feed bottles.
Washing hands	CDC says you can often use tap water and soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, unless your local officials say otherwise. Otherwise, use a sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Water filters	Boil filtered tap water too. Most household filters don't remove bacteria or viruses.
Baths and showers	Be careful not to swallow water. Consider sponge baths for babies and young children.
Dishes	A dishwasher is generally fine if it has a sanitizing cycle or its final rinse reaches at least 150°F. By hand: wash and rinse with hot water, soak for at least 1 minute in 1 teaspoon of unscented bleach per gallon of warm water, then air dry.
Kitchen surfaces	Wash food preparation surfaces with boiled water.
Laundry	Carry on as usual.
Pets	Give them boiled water that has cooled.

When the notice lifts

• Wait until your water utility or health department says it's over.
• Run water through all your taps to flush them.
• Clean water dispensers and ice makers as the manufacturer directs.

Prepare before you need it

• Keep a stored water supply. Here's how much your household needs.
• Keep a clean dropper with fresh unscented bleach. EPA says to use bleach stored for less than a year, so buy new at least that often.
• Put a note over the kitchen tap during a notice, so nobody forgets.

Sources

• EPA: Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water (updated February 24, 2026)
• Maryland Department of Health: What to Do During a Boil Water Advisory (adapted from CDC guidance)
• CDC: Crypto at Home During a Boil Water Advisory

These agencies don't endorse Ready Homestead. Local officials may give different instructions for your area: follow theirs.