What is a boil water advisory?
What Is a Boil Water Advisory?
A boil water advisory is issued by your local health or water authority when tap water may be unsafe to drink—typically due to a natural disaster, water main break, or detection of harmful microorganisms like bacteria, parasites, or viruses.
During a boil water advisory, it's recommended to boil tap water for at least one full minute (longer at higher altitudes) before using it for:
- Drinking
- Brushing teeth
- Cooking
- Washing fruits and vegetables
- Making infant formula or ice
Boiling helps kill bacteria, parasites, and viruses that may be present.
Do LifeStraw filters protect during a boil water advisory?
- LifeStraw Home Pitchers and Dispensers remove bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and over 30 contaminants—but they do not remove viruses. During a boil advisory, you should continue boiling water if using these systems.
- LifeStraw purifiers like the Mission, Family, Community, Peak Series Gravity Purifier, and Max do remove viruses, and are suitable alternatives to boiling during a boil water advisory.
Where to Check for Boil Water Advisories
If you're unsure whether your community is under a boil water advisory, here are reliable sources to check:
EPA – Local Drinking Water Information
Your Local Water Utility or Health Department Website
Most local agencies post up-to-date boil water advisories and alerts.
CDC Emergency Water Information
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/drinking/index.html
State or County Emergency Alert Systems
Many areas offer email or text alerts for boil advisories and other public health notices.