Responding to Water Contamination Alerts

As soon as you receive a contamination alert, cease all consumption and use of tap water, including for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and making ice. Do not bathe or shower with tap water if the contamination involves certain chemicals or biological pathogens. Post visible warnings at all water access points in your home and inform all household members immediately.

Do not assume the water is safe until authorities issue an all-clear notice. Contamination can be invisible, odorless, and tasteless.

Check bottled water you have in storage—bottled water is safe if bottles are sealed and undamaged. Count how many gallons you have and estimate household consumption: one gallon per person per day for drinking and cooking. If stored water is insufficient for your household size, you will need to treat tap water or find alternative sources immediately.

Clearly explain the contamination alert to all residents, especially children. Specify what water sources are unsafe and which alternatives are approved. Establish a household rule: no tap water consumption without explicit permission from you. Post the alert details and your action plan visibly in common areas. For elderly or immunocompromised household members, provide extra water and additional treatment precautions.

Map available alternatives: bottled water from stores, water distribution points set up by authorities, water from neighbors with unaffected supplies, rainwater collection (if not contaminated by the same source), and water from natural sources (streams, springs) at least 300 feet upstream from any potential contamination. Prioritize bottled water and authorized distribution points. If using water from neighbors, ensure their water is verified safe.

Boiling is the most reliable method: bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute (three minutes if above 6,500 feet elevation), then cool and store in clean containers. For chemical treatment, use unscented household bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite): add 8 drops per gallon, stir well, and wait 30 minutes before use. Alternatively, use water purification tablets following package directions. Both methods work for biological contaminants but not for chemical toxins—check alert specifics. Store treated water in clean, covered containers away from contaminants.

Boiling does NOT remove chemical contaminants. If the alert specifies chemical contamination, use only bottled water or authorized distribution sources.

Do not dump contaminated water into gardens, soil, or septic systems if the contamination is chemical. For biological contamination, water can go down drains or into toilets. Contact authorities for disposal instructions specific to the contaminant type. Empty standing water from pools, hot tubs, and outdoor storage tanks if they have filled from contaminated tap water. Clean and disinfect containers that held contaminated water before reusing them.

Wait for official notification that the contamination alert is lifted before resuming normal tap water use. Authorities will announce when water is safe. Run cold tap water for 30 seconds before drinking to flush pipes. Flush hot water systems by running the tap for several minutes. Clean water-related appliances (refrigerator filters, coffee makers) before resuming use. Resume normal household activities gradually to confirm no lingering issues.