After Disasters: USU Extension Specialist Explains “Boil Water” Advisories
By Dennis Hinkamp | November 6, 2026
PHOTO ATTACHED: By Dennis Hinkamp
Flooding and water system disruptions can leave everyone wondering if their tap water is safe. Utah State University Extension encourages families to follow current advisories and prepare for future emergencies.
Jose Brandao, USU Extension food safety specialist and assistant professor, said contamination can affect more than the water people drink. Brushing teeth, preparing food, and making ice also require attention when harmful microorganisms are present.
“Just because you have a filter doesn’t mean it’s designed to remove bacteria,” Brandao said. “Many household filters primarily improve the taste and odor of water, while others remove specific chemical contaminants. That doesn't necessarily mean they remove bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Clear water that tastes normal isn’t always safe to drink.”
Brandao offers these precautions when a “boil water advisory” is issued in your community:
Use bottled water. Commercially bottled water offers a convenient alternative during an advisory.
If using tap water, follow the boiling instructions provided by local officials. Boiling time varies by altitude, but to be safe, Utah’s Division of Drinking Water recommends a conservative five minutes at a rolling (not just bubbling) boil. Let water cool before use, and store it in clean, covered containers.
Remember food preparation and personal hygiene. Use safe water for drinking, brushing teeth, washing produce, and preparing beverages. Avoid refrigerator water dispensers and automatic ice makers connected to the affected supply. Remember that your ice maker is drawing water from the same supply as the tap, and freezing does not kill disease-causing microorganisms.
Do not assume filtration is enough. During a boil water advisory, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends boiling tap water even after it passes through a household filter. Follow the advisory rather than relying on a filter’s appearance or general purification claims.
Treat disinfectants carefully. Water purification tablets and other chemical treatments require the correct dose and contact time. Follow product instructions and local health guidance. Different products work against different organisms, and some do not reliably eliminate certain parasites. Products intended to sanitize food-contact surfaces such as counters and cutting boards should not automatically be considered appropriate for treating drinking water.
Follow instructions for other household uses. Laundry can generally continue during a “boil water” advisory. Avoid swallowing water while showering, and follow local directions for washing dishes, handwashing with soap, cleaning food-contact surfaces, and bathing children. When possible, young children should receive sponge baths to prevent accidental water ingestion.
Flooding can also pose food safety risks for farms and gardens. Brandao emphasized that fruits and vegetables with edible portions that have come into contact with floodwater should not be consumed, even after washing. Crops grown near flooded areas that were not directly exposed may require further evaluation before harvest. Growers should consult Extension or agricultural authorities to assess potential risks based on the crop, its growth stage, and the extent of flooding.
In addition, Brandao said a “do-not-drink” order requires different precautions from a boil water advisory. Boiling cannot make water contaminated with fuel or toxic chemicals safe.
For further information, contact your local county Extension agent.
Contact
Jose Brandao Delgado
jose.brandao@usu.edu
(435) 797-2231
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