CDC guidelines on what do during a boil water advisory

article

The Centers for Disease Control has guidelines for what to do when a boil water advisory has been issued. Austin Water has issued a boil water notice for all its customers.

Boiling Water

CDC says boiling is the surest method to kill disease causing organisms including viruses, bacteria and parasites.

If water is clear:

• The City of Austin advises people to bring water to a rolling boil for at least three minutes. The CDC says water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute. Higher elevations above 6,500 feet are advised to boil for three minutes.
• Let the boiled water cool.
• Store boiled water in clean sanitized containers with tight covers.

If water is cloudy:

• Filter water through a clean cloth, paper towel or coffee filter or allow it to settle.
• Draw off the clear water.
• The City of Austin advises people to bring water to a rolling boil for at least three minutes. The CDC says water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute. Higher elevations above 6,500 feet are advised to boil for three minutes.
• Let the boiled water cool.
• Store boiled water in clean sanitized containers with tight covers.

Officials say you can also use portable water filters to remove disease causing parasites from drinking water but they advise most portable water filters do not remove bacteria or viruses. To get more info about water filters from the CDC you can go here.

CDC says you can also make water safe by distilling it or boiling water and collecting the steam in a clean container so it turns back into water.

For more specific details about disinfectants and the other methods CDC says you can do when there's a boil water advisory you can go to the CDC's website.