INFRASTRUCTURE
Water disruption
Water main break, contamination or supply interruption.
Official evacuation orders and immediate life-threatening hazards take priority over this guide. Call 911 in an emergency.
1WHAT TO VERIFY
- Check your city water department for boil-water or do-not-drink notices.
- Do not act on unverified social media posts or forwarded messages.
2IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
- Stop using tap water for drinking if a notice is in effect.
- Fill clean containers if water is still safe and flowing.
- Locate your water heater's stored water as an emergency reserve.
3HOUSEHOLD SAFETY
- Under a boil-water notice, bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute before drinking.
- Use unscented household bleach only as directed by official guidance when boiling isn't possible.
4COMMUNICATIONS
- Share official notices with neighbors who may not have seen them.
5SUPPLIES
- Store at least 1 gallon per person per day for drinking, more for heat, children, nursing mothers and illness.
- Water filters rated for the contaminant of concern; disposable plates to save washing water.
6SHELTER OR EVACUATION
- Shelter in place in most cases; relocate if you cannot maintain safe drinking water.
7BUSINESS CONTINUITY
- Food service and healthcare businesses: follow health department closure rules.
8RECOVERY
- Flush household pipes as instructed once the notice is lifted.
- Replace filters and refill stored water.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
General educational guidance. Not a substitute for official instructions or professional medical advice.