Grab a pot, fill it with tap water, and bring it to a full, rolling boil for one minute. Let it cool naturally, then pour it into a clean pitcher or bottle. You can prep a big batch in the morning, and it’s good for about 24 hours (cover it!).
Ralls issues boil water notice until further notice
Pro tip: If you have an electric kettle, it works perfectly. Many kettles automatically shut off after boiling, so set a timer for one minute after it clicks. For high-altitude areas (above 6,500 feet), boil for three minutes—the higher you are, the lower the boiling point, so bugs laugh at short boils.
You can also use a countertop water dispenser that heats to 212°F, but check the manual. Most tap water filters (like Brita or fridge filters) do not remove bacteria—they’re for taste, not safety. Don’t rely on them during a boil notice.
What about showers and washing dishes?
Good news: You can shower, wash dishes, and do laundry with tap water, as long as you don’t swallow it. Be careful with little kids during bath time—they love drinking bathwater like tiny fish. Use a washcloth and remind them, “No tasting the bath, buddy.”
For washing dishes, use hot tap water and soap, then rinse them with a bit of boiled water if you’re nervous. Or just let them air dry completely—bacteria die on dry surfaces. Hand sanitizer works on your hands, too, so you don’t have to boil water for that.
Pet owners: Your dog’s water bowl counts. Boil a small pot for Fido, or give him bottled water. Cats are even pickier, but they deserve safe water too. One less problem to worry about.
Boil notice issued for over 400 water customers in Ferguson Township
