Boil Water Advisory

Boil Water Advisory Information - English (34 KB PDF)
Boil Water Advisory Information - Spanish (33 KB PDF)
Boil Water Advisory Information - Creole (32 KB PDF)

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 water for at least 1 minute before using it for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes.
• 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. 
• Use only bottled water, especially for mixing baby formula.

Make your water safe. Boil it. 

• 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. 

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.

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.
• Brush teeth with boiled or bottled water.

More information: 

State Assistance Information Line: 1-800-342-3557

FloridaDisaster.org