Why do I have to boil my water?
Boil water advisories are distributed if there is actual or the strong potential of bacterial contamination in the drinking water system that could make you sick.
Boiling water kills harmful bacteria and parasites (freezing will not disinfect water).
Use bottled water or water that has been boiled or disinfected for making coffee and ice.
Use bottled water or water that has been boiled or disinfected as you would for drinking.
How should I wash my hands during a boil water advisory?
However, if you are washing your hands to prepare food, you should use boiled (then cooled) water, disinfected or bottled water with hand-washing soap.
Is potentially contaminated water safe for washing dishes or clothes?
It is safe to wash clothes in tap water.
Is potentially contaminated water safe for bathing and shaving?