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Safety tips for a boil-water advisory

There's a lot more to a boil-water advisory than just "Boil your water." Read these tips on what you should and shouldn't do.

Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute to destroy disease-causing organisms

During a boil-water advisory, use bottled water or disinfected water for drinking; making drinks, infant formula and ice cubes; tooth brushing; cooking and steaming food; and cleaning vegetables. Keep bottles of clean water next to the sink for these purposes. (Matt Hinton/Associated Press)

There's a lot more to a boil-water advisory than just "Boil your water." Here are some tips that can help you through the water crisis: 

  • During a boil-water advisory, use bottled water or disinfected water for drinking; making drinks, infant formula and ice cubes; tooth brushing; cooking and steaming food; and cleaning vegetables. Keep bottles of clean water next to the sink for these purposes. 
  • To disinfect water, bring it to a rolling boil for one minute to destroy disease-causing organisms. Water treatment devices, such as those built into taps or jugs, are not effective in removing many organisms. 
  • Boiled water can taste flat. Shaking air into water or adding a little salt can help the flavour. 
  • Water for washing dishes should be hot, but doesn't need to be boiled. A small amount of bleach can be added to rinse water for disinfecting. 
  • If you eat vegetables from your garden, make sure they are well-cooked before eating them. 
  • Adults and teenagers can take showers, if they don't swallow any water. Sponge baths are safer than showers for younger children. 
  • Tape plastic bags over taps and showerheads so you don't turn them on out of habit.

Where are the advisories currently issued in Canada? See them on this map.