Boil Water Notice

About Boil Water Notices

Boil Water Notices are issued by water companies as a precaution when they have identified a possible problem with the water or treatment system. You are being advised to boil your tap water in case there are any germs in the water that could make you ill. Boiling water will kill any germs in the water.

This advice is not suitable for other situations such as if your water company has advised you not to use your water supply at all for drinking because of possible chemicals in the water.

How to boil water safely

To boil water safely:

• water does not need to be held at the boil for any period of time, just bring it to the boil and then allow it to cool
• avoid the risk of burn or scald accidents; using a kettle is the safest method, but if using a pan, take extra care - keep panhandles turned inwards and keep children and pets out of the way
• allow boiled water to cool in a covered container and then keep it in the fridge or somewhere cool
• if you haven’t used the cooled boiled water within 24 hours, then throw it away

When to use boiled water

Boiled water must be used for:

• drinking
• cold drinks made with water (such as squash or juice)
• making up baby formula or food, and sanitising bottles
• cleaning teeth or cleaning and soaking dentures / retainers
• washing foods that won’t be cooked (such as fruit or salad)
• making ice or ice cubes
• pets’ drinking water

You do not need to use boiled water for:

• preparing food/drinks which will be boiled anyway during the preparation process (such as boiling potatoes or pasta or making hot tea or coffee)
  • if you are not sure whether your coffee maker boils the water, fill it with preboiled water
  • water from instant boiling water taps can be drunk only if the water is heated to 70° centigrade for 5 minutes or more prior to being dispensed - please check with the tap manufacturer
• washing up – if you wash up by hand, use hot water and detergent and rinse in boiled water that has been allowed to cool; dishwashers can also be used but use a hot wash cycle plus a drying cycle
• cleaning food preparation surfaces - clean kitchen work surfaces with a kitchen cleaning product as normal and allow to dry
• washing clothes or laundry – wash as normal
• washing hands – wash with soap and hot water and dry your hands; do not use hand sanitiser instead of handwashing as it is less effective
• showering or bathing, but you should avoid swallowing any water
  • make sure that babies and young children do not swallow bathing water; it may be easier to sponge bath babies and do not let them suck the sponge
• flushing the toilet
• watering plants
• providing water to horses, cattle or sheep

Using bottled water

You can use bottled water bought from a shop or supplied by your water company as a safe alternative to boiling water.

Using a water filter in the home

You still need to boil water because most home water filters do not remove all germs.

Using water purification tablets

Using water purification tablets is not recommended as they do not kill all germs – use boiled or bottled water.

Using water from water company bowsers or tankers

If the water company is using tankers or bowsers to supply water to your area, they will tell you if it needs boiling before use.

Throwing away stored water and ice

If you have recently filled an appliance or container with unboiled water (for example, a water jug, water bottles, bottle of diluted juice/squash, fridge water or ice dispenser), discard the water, and wash and rinse the container or appliance with cooled boiled water.

If you have recently made ice cubes, throw the ice cubes away, wash and dry the container and make new ice using cooled boiled water or bottled water.

Baby food and formula

You should use cooled boiled water for making up baby feeds. Always sterilise baby bottles.

Further guidance on safely making up baby formula

Pregnant women

If you are pregnant, follow the advice above about boiling water. If you develop diarrhoea, vomiting or abdominal cramps, you should seek medical advice in the usual way.

Dialysis patients

If you are receiving dialysis, you should follow the advice above given about boiling water. For any concerns regarding your dialysis please contact your dialysis administrator.

People at increased risk during a boil notice

Some people are at increased risk of infection, so need be especially careful not to drink unboiled tap water. This includes:

• young children and babies
• people with weaker immune systems due to old age or health issues such as leukaemia, lymphoma, untreated HIV infection, primary T-cell deficiency, chemotherapy or people taking medicines that weaken immunity

If such people develop symptoms, they or their parent or guardian should seek advice from their GP or specialist.

What to do if you accidentally drink unboiled water

The risk of becoming ill is very low and you do not need to take any action.

If you develop diarrhoea, vomiting or abdominal cramps seek medical attention in the usual way. You may be asked to provide a poo sample to find out why you are ill.

Advice for anyone with diarrhoea or vomiting

If you have diarrhoea or vomiting, you should:

• drink lots of fluids, such as boiled or bottled water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick
• eat when you feel able to – you do not need to eat, or avoid eating, any specific foods
• stay off school or work until you've not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 48 hours
• wash your hands with soap and water frequently
• wash any clothing or bedding that has poo or vomit on it separately on a hot wash
• clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, surfaces and door handles every day, ideally using a bleach-based cleaner
• do not prepare food for other people, if possible
• do not share towels or flannels/washcloths
• do not use a swimming pool until 2 weeks after the symptoms stop

Priority Services Register for vulnerable customers

If you have a medical need, your water company may be able to give you extra help, like delivering bottled water in an emergency. To get this extra help, make sure your name is added to your water company’s Priority Services Register which can be found on your water company’s website.

Information about receiving a Boil Water Notice