Safety
Boil Water Advisory: What to Do, What to Avoid, and How Long It Lasts
Microbiological outbreaks trigger boil notices. Here is the safe playbook — including why you should not use home RO during a boil advisory.
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A boil water advisory usually means the public water system suspects or confirms microbial contamination — or a loss of pressure that can let contaminated water into the system.
Do this: Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute (three minutes at high altitude per CDC guidance) for drinking, brushing teeth, washing produce, and making ice. Use bottled water if instructed.
What to avoid
Do not assume your refrigerator filter, pitcher, or shower filter removes bacteria. Home RO systems are not typically certified as microbiological purifiers for boil notices — follow public water system guidance.
After it lifts
Flush taps as directed. Replace filters if your public water system or manufacturer recommends it after contamination events.
MORE GUIDES
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