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Boil Water Notice FAQ's

Boil Water Notices

A boil water notice is a public statement issued by your water system advising customers to boil their tap water before drinking or other consumption. Boil water notices are issued as a precaution in response to an event that can potentially introduce contaminants into the distribution system (such as main breaks, loss of system pressure, or sample results from routine testing). 

The risk of waterborne diseases is higher for infants, the elderly, and people with autoimmune deficiency disorders. Texas Water Company issues boil water notices to safeguard the community in the remote possibility of contamination. 

How to Properly Boil Water:

If your area is under a boil water notice, follow these steps to prepare your tap water for use:

  1. Heat water until it starts to bubble vigorously.

  2. Let it boil for at least 1 full minute.

  3. Turn off the heat and allow the water to cool.

  4. Transfer the cooled water into a clean container with a lid.

Use boiled water for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, and washing fruits or vegetables.

Do I still need to boil my tap water if I use a water filter?

Yes. You should still boil your tap water even using a kitchen or household water filter. Most filters do not remove bacteria or viruses that may be present during a boil water notice.

Is it okay to bathe or shower during a boil water notice?

Yes, but be careful not to swallow any water while bathing or showering. Extra caution should be taken with babies and young children—consider giving them sponge baths to reduce the risk of them swallowing water.

Is the water safe for bathing and washing hands? 

Tap water can be used for bathing, showering, and hand washing; be careful not to swallow the water. Use caution when bathing infants and young children to ensure that no untreated tap water is consumed. 

Can I use ice from my freezer during a boil water notice?

Do not use ice from ice trays, dispensers, or ice makers if it was made with tap water.
During the notice period, throw away any ice made with tap water and make new ice using bottled or previously boiled water.

Can my pets drink tap water during a boil water notice?

It’s best not to. Pets can get sick from the same germs that affect people. During a boil water notice, give them bottled water or cooled, previously boiled water for drinking.

How long will the boil water notice last? 

Texas Water Company will notify impacted customers through our alert system once the notice is lifted.  The duration of the boil water notice will depend on the circumstances that caused the boil water notice and the corrections that can be made. Laboratory results must confirm it is safe to return to regular use before a boil water notice is rescinded. Typically, boil water notices will last for 24 to 48 hours, but can last longer depending on the condition of the distribution system. 

Boil Water Notice Rescinded 

What should I do once the notice is lifted? 

Once TWC rescinds the boil water notice, all household pipes should be flushed before being used for drinking or cooking. To flush your pipes, let the water run to ensure fresh water is flowing. Run all cold faucets for one minute, run water softeners through a regeneration cycle, replace water filters, and make and discard three batches of ice for automatic ice makers. 

Common Questions Answered by the CDC

  • WHEN I TURN ON THE FAUCET, THE WATER SPUTTERS. WHY?
    • You have air in your lines. Turn on your tap slowly and run the water until the sputtering stops.
  • THE WATER IS DISCOLORED. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
    • Flush water pipes by running the water until it is clear.
    • Do not wash clothes if the water is discolored. Wait until the water runs clear at the tap. Wash a load of dark clothes first.
  • WHY DOES MY WATER HAVE A STRONG SMELL?
    • The smell is probably chlorine. Often, water systems will increase chlorine levels to disinfect the pipes.
  • WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY WATER PRESSURE IS LOW?
    • Check the faucet screens for trapped particles. Remove the screens and clean out any particles. Put the screens back on the faucet.
  • I HAVE A WATER TREATMENT UNIT FOR THE HOUSE. DOES IT NEED SPECIAL CARE?
    • Yes. Change the filter cartridges. Some units need disinfecting. Follow the directions in the unit’s Owner’s Manual.

source: https://www.cdc.gov/natural-disasters/psa-toolkit/boil-water-advisory.html