Boil Orders and Advisories

A boil advisory (or water advisory) is a precautionary measure issued by the water utility to alert customers when there is a potential for compromised water quality. It is recommended that customers boil all water used in the preparation of food and beverage for consumption for 2 minutes or use an alternative source of drinking water.

A boil order is confirmation that contamination is present in the water system. It is essential that customers boil all water used in the preparation of food and beverage for consumption for 2 minutes.

A boil water advisory is issued to protect the public from infectious agents. During a boil water advisory or boil order, tap water is not safe for drinking and should be boiled. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. Either use bottled water or bring all tap water to a rolling boil for one minute and then cool before using. Any water that may be consumed (making ice, brushing teeth, washing produce, baby formula, coffee, food preparation) should be boiled or bottled.

See more information below for guidelines for food establishments and residents.