To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil for 2 minutes then cooled prior to use for drinking water or consumption purposes.
In lieu of boiling, all customers, individuals, or employees may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
Once the Boil Water Advisory in no longer required, the WTCPUA will issue a notice to customers, individuals, or employees that rescinds the Advisory.
- If I have a water filtration device, is the water safe to drink or cook with? No. Water will need to be boiled for 2 minutes and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. It is recommended that you change the filter after a Boil Water Advisory has been rescinded.
- Can I brush my teeth with tap water? No. Water will need to be boiled for 2 minutes and cooled prior to brushing teeth. Bottled water may be used as a substitute.
- Can I drink coffee made with tap water? No. Water will need to be boiled for 2 minutes and cooled prior to use for making coffee. Bottled water may be used as a substitute.
- Can my pets drink water during a Boil Water Advisory? No. Water will need to be boiled for 2 minutes and cooled prior to use or water obtained from some other suitable source prior to consumption.
- Can I wash dishes by hand? Yes, if dishes are disinfected with chlorine bleach solution after washing. Wash and rinse dishes with hot water like normal. After dishes are rinsed, soak dishes for at least 2 minutes in a bleach solution. To make a bleach solution, add 1 tsp. of liquid, unscented bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) per 1 cup of warm water. Let the dishes air dry completely.
- Can I use my dishwasher? You can use your dishwasher if it works well and has a hot temperature setting or sanitizer cycle. If your dishwasher does not have a hot temperature setting, stop the dishwasher at the rinse cycle, add 4 teaspoon. of liquid, unscented bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) and restart the dishwasher. Let the dishes dry completely on the heated dry cycle.
- How do I sanitize my countertop, cutting board, or other kitchen surfaces? Wash kitchen surfaces with soap and water, rinse, then wipe them down with a bleach solution. Make a new bleach solution every day so it works well to kill germs. To make a bleach solution, add 1 tsp. of liquid, unscented bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) per 1 cup of warm water. Spray or pour the solution on surfaces that food will touch and let it sit for at least 2 minutes before drying with a clean towel.
- Can tap water be used for cleaning non-food contact surfaces? Yes. You can clean surfaces such as floors and walls using tap water with standard cleaning agents.
- Can I do laundry during a Boil Water Advisory? Yes, you can do laundry.
- Do I need to flush my water system after a Boil Water Advisory has been rescinded? Before a Boil Water Advisory is rescinded, TCEQ requires that representative WTCPUA distribution samples be collected that test negative for bacteria, and that the distribution system be flushed. Accordingly, water will be safe for consumption after a Boil Water Advisory is lifted. Customers are not required to flush their water systems or appliances, but may do so if desired.
- Should ice in the freezer that was made during Boil Water Advisory be discarded? Yes, the ice should be discarded.