• During a Boil Water Advisory Residential Checklist

Residential Checklist

When a resident is notified of a boil water advisory, take the follow actions:

Drinking Water

• Use bottled water. Bottled water is the best option for drinking if it is available.
• Boil water if bottled water is not available.
  • Bring water to a rolling boil for one minute.
  • Let cool for 15 minutes before drinking.
  • Store the cooled water in a clean, sanitized container with a cover.
• Use bottled or boiled water for pets.

Food Preparation & Cooking

• Discard all ice or drinks made with tap water.
• Discard ready-to-eat food that was prepared with water prior to the advisory (e.g., coffee, juice, formula, smoothies, gelatins, and popsicles).
• Use bottled or boiled water for:
  • Food and beverage preparation.
  • Washing fruits and vegetables.
  • Mixing beverages.
  • Making ice.
  • Preparing baby formula.
• Use disposable plates, cups, and utensils, if possible.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

• Use bottled water or boiled water with bleach (or an equivalent) to clean surfaces.

Dishwashing

If you do not have disposable plates, cups, and utensils, follow these instructions to wash dishes:

By hand:

• Wash and rinse the dishes as normally done using hot water.
• In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water. The bleach label should say that it contains 8.25% of sodium hypochlorite.
• Soak the rinsed dishes in the sanitizer solution for at least 1 minute.
• Let the dishes air dry completely before using again.

By dishwasher:

• Run dishwasher through the hottest or 'sanitize' cycle.
• Follow with a sanitizing step, in a clean basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water. The bleach label should say that it contains 8.25% of sodium hypochlorite.
• Remove the dishes from the dishwasher and soak in the sanitizer solution for at least 1 minute.
• Let the dishes air dry completely before using again.

Toy Washing & Laundry

• Use bottled water or boiled water to clean washable toys and surfaces.
• Use a hot water rinse cycle and heat-dried on the highest heat setting for 30 minutes to wash:
  • Cloth toys
  • Dress up clothes
  • Laundry
• Discontinue all on-site water play (water activity tables) or swimming activities.

Handwashing & Hygiene

• Faucet water can be used for showering, baths, and shaving, but do not swallow water or allow it to get in eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Supervise children and disabled individuals during their bath to make sure water is not swallowed. Minimize bathing time or use bottled water.
  • Note: Though the risk of illness is minimal, individuals who have recent surgical wounds, have compromised immune systems, or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled or boiled water for cleansing until the advisory is lifted. Anyone with questions or concerns should contact their healthcare provider.
• Vigorous handwashing for at least 20 seconds with soap and tap water is safe during a boil water advisory.
• Observe children handwashing to ensure soap use and vigorous handwashing occur.
• If soap is not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub to clean hands.
• If washing your hands to prepare food, use boiled (then cooled) water, disinfected water, or bottled water with handwashing soap. Follow up with an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
• Use bottled or boiled water for brushing teeth.
• Use bottled or boiled water for washing cuts, scrapes, or wounds.
• Wear disposable gloves to change diapers.
  • Wash hands with soap and water immediately afterwards.
  • When you are done washing and drying your hands, use an alcohol based hand-sanitizer and let hands air dry.