Winter Storm Uri, in February 2021, severely affected the lives of people whose homes were not built for extended subfreezing temperatures. Broken pipes, coupled with faucets dripped to try and avoid frozen pipes, resulted in water pressures too low to keep water safe. Boil water notices were issued. February 18 through 20 found 3.47 million Harris County, Texas residents under a boil water notice with many of them without electricity to boil their water.
When a water system is compromised by a water main break, flooding, fire, a power outage, or water pressure dropping below safe levels, bacteriological contamination can take place. A Boil Water Notice or Advisory (boil order) is issued by your water provider when tap water may not be safe for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing hands, or brushing teeth. The Notice will be communicated by radio, television, newspaper, and any other communication method the provider has access to for your area. If you do not know if a Boil Water Notice is in effect, call your water provider.
During a Boil Water Notice, water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and boiled for 3 minutes. Cool before using.
Boiled or bottled water should be used for:
- Drinking
- Making ice (discard ice made by your ice maker)
- Brushing teeth
- Washing hands (or wash with soap, dry with paper towels, and use hand sanitizer)
- Rinsing washed dishes
- Cooking
- Washing fruits and vegetables
- Making baby formula
- Water for pets
Water is safe for:
- Washing dishes if the water is hot and soap is used (rinse in boiled water)
- Laundry
- Bathing
When the Boil Water Notice has been lifted:
- Flush your home water system by turning on all cold-water faucets for at least one minute.
- Remove and clean faucet aerators.
- Make and discard three batches of ice in automatic ice makers and wash ice bins.
- Replace water filters and cartridges in refrigerators.
- Run the water softener through one regeneration cycle.
Make sure you know who your water provider is and to whom you pay your water bill. Every location is different. That is who you will ask to find out if a boil water notice has been lifted.
Sources: Houston Public Works; Texas Commission on Environmental Quality