National Preparedness Month: Emergency Preparedness and Drinking Water 

Posted on by katiestephens

During a disaster or emergency, clean drinking water may not be available. Contamination from an emergency may compromise your regular source of water.  

Create a Supply

Prepare by creating and storing a 3-day supply of water that will meet your family’s needs.  

  • Make sure to have at least one gallon of water per day for each person. 
  • Unopened, commercially bottled water is the safest and most reliable source of water in an emergency. 

Know Your Advisories

When water emergencies occur, officials may put in place a drinking water advisory. Advisories provide specific advice about how to avoid getting sick from tap water. It’s important to follow local officials’ instructions to protect your health and your family’s health. 

  • Boil Water Advisory

A boil water advisory occurs for the following reasons: 

    • Tests show that harmful microorganisms could be present in the water. 
    • Water pressure drops due to equipment failure or power outages. 
    • Water main breaks or repairs. 
    • The water source has been flooded. 
    • Other situations that warrant special action to protect consumers’ health. 

 Boiling tap water makes it safe to drink and use for other purposes. Boiling tap water kills germs that can cause disease. To kill germs, bring water to a full rolling boil for one minute.  

Continue to boil water until officials tell you the advisory is over.  

 

  • Do Not Drink Water Advisory

Officials typically issue do not drink water advisories when tap water is, or could be, contaminated with harmful chemicals or toxins. Boiling water containing harmful chemicals or toxins will not make the water safe to use. 

During a do not drink water advisory, use bottled water for: 

    • Drinking and cooking 
    • Brushing teeth 
    • Washing fruits and vegetables 
    • Preparing food 
    • Mixing baby formula 
    • Making ice 
    • Giving water to pets 

 

  • Do Not Use Water Advisory

Officials issue do not use advisories when any contact with tap water could be dangerous. This includes contact with your skin, lungs, or eyes. The tap water is, or could be, contaminated with harmful germs, chemicals, toxins, or radioactive materials. 

 

For additional information on drinking water advisories and creating an emergency water supply, visit: