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Citywide Water Main Break and Boil Water Advisory

When a major municipal water main ruptures, pressure drops across municipal water systems allow soil contaminants, bacteria, and pathogens to siphon into drinking water pipes. Municipalities issue mandatory Boil Water Advisories to protect public health.

Immediate Action Steps During Water Pressure Loss

  1. Do Not Drink Unboiled Tap Water: Immediately stop using tap water for drinking, ice making, teeth brushing, food preparation, baby formula mixing, or pet water bowls.
  2. Turn Off Automatic Ice Makers: Discard all ice in refrigerator ice bins. Turn off automatic ice maker supply valves to prevent contaminated water from filling ice modules.
  3. Boil Water at a Rolling Boil:
  4. Bring water to a full rolling boil for at least 1 full minute (3 minutes at elevations above 2,000 m / 6,500 ft).
  5. Allow water to cool naturally before pouring into clean, covered glass or food-grade plastic storage containers.

Emergency Disinfection Alternatives (If Boiling Is Impossible)

  • Household Bleach Disinfection: Add 8 drops (about 0.5 mL) of unflavored, unscented 6 percent household liquid bleach per 3.8 L (1 gal) of clear water. Stir well and let stand for 30 minutes before drinking.
  • Water Purification Tablets: Use chlorine dioxide or iodine tablets according to manufacturer instructions.

Commercial and Restaurant Compliance Rules

  • Food service establishments, coffee shops, and healthcare facilities must suspend all fountain beverage dispensers, ice machines, and espresso machines during boil water notices.
  • Commercial dishwashers may only operate if final rinse temperatures reach at least 82 °C (180 °F) or if approved chemical sanitizing cycles are verified.