Information in this post was compiled from recommendations originally posted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
When possible, use disposable plates, cups, and utensils during a boil water advisory.
Sanitize all baby bottles.
Dishwashers are generally safe to use if they have a sanitizing cycle or reach a final rinse temperature of at least 150°F (66°C). Check the manual or contact the manufacturer to find out what temperature your dishwater reaches.
To wash dishes by hand:- Wash and rinse the dishes as you normally would using hot water.
- In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water.
- Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least one minute.
- Let the dishes air dry completely before using them again.
When the Boil Water Advisory is Over
- Make sure equipment with water line connections (for example, filters, post-mix beverage machines, spray misters, auto-fill coffee/tea makers, instant hot water heaters, ice machines, glass washers, dishwashers, etc.) is flushed, cleaned, and sanitized according to manufacturers' instructions.
- Change all point-of-entry and point-of-use water filters, including those associated with equipment that uses water.
- Managers of large buildings with water-holding reservoirs should consult their facility engineer and health department about draining the reservoir.
- Flush pipes and faucets. Run cold water faucets continuously for at least 5 minutes.
- Flush drinking fountains. Run water continuously for at least 5 minutes.
- Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle.
- Drain and refill hot water heaters set below 113°F.
