Search Results

In an emergency, boiling is the preferred method for making sure tap water is safe to drink. The following are acceptable alternatives if you cannot boil your tap water because of a power outage or loss of gas service:

• Use bottled water.
• Disinfect tap water with liquid household bleach. Bleach should be recently purchased, contain at least 5.25% hypochlorite, and contain no additions or fragrances. If water is clear, add 8 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of bleach per gallon. If water is murky, add 16 drops (or 1/4 teaspoon) of bleach per gallon. Stir bleach into water and let it stand for 30 minutes before using.
• Water purification tablets may also be used to disinfect tap water by following the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Use warm tap water and soap for handwashing. After hands are rinsed and dried, follow with a liquid hand sanitizer. The hand sanitizer must be used as an additional step; it does not replace handwashing. 

If using tap water in your food product, the minimum internal temperature must reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit or boiled water must be used.

Use boiled and cooled water when washing food products that will not be cooked afterward or purchase pre-washed items.

Tap water may be used to thaw food in a preparation sink, as long as the product is cooked afterward and reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If possible, thaw food in a refrigerator instead of using tap water.

No. Discard ice made from tap water. All ice, including bagged ice, must be from an approved source (e.g. purchased ice).

Discontinue the use of produce misters during a boil water advisory. 

Yes, however sanitizing solutions must be 50-200 parts per million chlorine and tested routinely with test strips.

No, discontinue the use of a dipper well for the duration of a boil water advisory.

Coffee and other hot drinks must reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before drinking. If not, use boiled and cooled water to prepare hot beverages.