What should you do if you're under a Boil Water and Do Not Drink Notice?
If your public water system has been placed on the Boil Water or Do Not Drink list, you should receive notice from the water system with specific information on the situation and guidance on how to proceed. Follow the directions provided in this notice. If you have not received a notice or have any questions about your water, please contact the water system (check your water bill for contact information).
You can also check the Public Boil Water and Do Not Drink Notice list provided by DEC.
“Boil Water” allows you to use water after boiling according to the uses listed below.
“Do Not Drink” means you cannot use the water for the uses listed below.
What is a Boil Water Notice?
Do not drink the water without boiling it first. Boiled or bottled water may be used for:
- drinking
- cooking and food preparation
- making juice or ice
- brushing teeth
- washing dishes
- making baby formula/bottles
- washing fruit and vegetables
Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, then cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
You may use non-boiled water for flushing toilets, showering and handwashing.
People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly individuals may be at increased risk. These individuals should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.
What is a Do Not Drink Notice?
Do not drink the water, do not boil the water. Bottled water may be used for:
- drinking
- cooking and food preparation
- making juice or ice
- brushing teeth
- washing dishes
- making baby formula/bottles
- washing fruit and vegetables
Use water from an alternate source with adequate water quality or use bottled water. Do not boil your water. Excessive boiling can cause certain contaminants to become more concentrated.
You may use water for flushing toilets, showering and handwashing.
People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly individuals may be at increased risk. These individuals should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.
Non-Discrimination Notice:
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) operates its programs, services, and activities without discriminating on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency), ancestry, place of birth, disability, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or breastfeeding (mother and child).
Language Access Notice:
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