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It's a New Day in Public Health.

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Boil Water Advisory

Environmental Health

Water in a hurricane-affected area may not be safe to drink. Listen to local announcements on water supply safety.

  • Public water system: If the public water system lost pressure, a boil water notice will likely be issued for your area.
  • Well water: If your well is in a flooded area, your water may contain disease-causing bacteria and may not be safe to drink.

DOH recommends one of the following:

  • Boil
  • Disinfect
  • Bottled Water

Boil water for at least 1 minute before using it for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute. Boil tap water even if it is filtered.

If unable to boil, disinfect it. Disinfect water by adding 8 drops (about 1/8 tsp – this would form a puddle about the size of a dime) of unscented household bleach per gallon of water, and then let it stand for 30 minutes. 

If tap water is clear:

  • Use unscented bleach (does not contain added scent).
  • Add 1/8 teaspoon (8 drops or about 0.75 milliliters) of unscented household liquid bleach to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water.
  • Mix well and wait 30 minutes or more before drinking.

If tap water is cloudy:

  • Filter water using clean cloth.
  • Use unscented bleach (does not contain added scent).
  • Add 1/8 teaspoon (8 drops or about 0.75 milliliters) of unscented household liquid bleach to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water. Mix well and wait 30 minutes.
  • If the water remains cloudy, add an additional 1/8 teaspoon of bleach. Mix well and wait 30 minutes.
  • If still cloudy after the second treatment, dispose of water and start the process over again, OR use bottled water.

Store water in clean, disinfected containers.

Use only bottled water, especially for mixing baby formula.

Preparing and Cooking Food

Always use clean or bottled water to:

  • Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating.
  • Make drinks, such as coffee and tea.

Ice

Do not use ice from ice trays, ice dispensers, or ice makers. Use only commercially available ice until the Boil Water Notice has been lifted.

Bathing and Brushing Teeth

Be careful not to swallow any water when bathing or showering. Only brush teeth with boiled or bottled water. 

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