Boil Water Notice – advice for the public 

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. 

Actions to take during a Boil Water Notice 

You must: 

• boil tap water before drinking it, this includes water from any appliance connected to your water supply (such as a fridge water dispenser) 

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 

Published: Dec 4, 2025