What to Do During a Boil Water Advisory

A boil water advisory means the safety of tap water may be uncertain because of a main break, pressure loss, treatment problem, contamination concern, or another interruption in the drinking-water system. It is a precautionary public health measure, and residents should follow the instructions issued by the City of Susanville Public Works Department until the notice is lifted.

Do not assume that clear water is safe to drink. Some contaminants cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. Use official city updates for the affected area, advisory details, and instructions about when normal use may resume.

The safest response is to use bottled water or bring tap water to a full rolling boil before using it for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, preparing infant formula, or feeding pets. Water should continue boiling for at least one minute, then cool in a clean, covered container.

What the advisory means

A boil-water notice applies to specific uses and locations identified by the issuing agency. Read the announcement carefully to determine whether it affects your street, neighborhood, workplace, school, or business. If you are unsure whether your address is included, treat the water as potentially unsafe and contact the city’s published utility or emergency number.

Understanding the local system can provide useful context when a notice is issued. The city’s explanation of drinking water sources describes where community water comes from and how it reaches customers, but source information does not replace instructions in an active advisory.

A precautionary notice does not necessarily mean contamination has been confirmed. It does mean that residents should take protective steps until testing, repairs, flushing, or other corrective work allows officials to clear the system.

Make tap water safe at home

Bring water to a vigorous rolling boil for one minute. If you are at a high elevation or local health guidance specifies a different duration, follow that direction. Let the water cool naturally and store it in a clean, covered container. Avoid burns by keeping hot pots away from children and pets.

If boiling is not practical, use commercially bottled water for drinking and other essential uses. Do not rely on a refrigerator filter, pitcher filter, faucet filter, or ordinary home treatment device unless public health officials specifically confirm that it removes the suspected hazard. Water from a hot-water dispenser may not have reached a sufficient temperature.

Use boiled or bottled water for:

Drinking and taking medicine
Brushing teeth and rinsing toothbrushes
Making coffee, tea, ice, or beverages
Washing produce and preparing food
Mixing baby formula and feeding infants
Giving water to pets and filling aquarium systems

Protect food, dishes, and personal hygiene

Wash fruits and vegetables with safe water. Discard ice made after the advisory began, including ice stored in automatic ice makers, and clean the bin before making new ice. Food prepared with questionable water may need to be discarded, especially if it was not heated sufficiently during cooking.

Dishwashers that reach the manufacturer’s sanitizing temperature may be suitable, but handwashing dishes with unsafe tap water can spread contamination to plates, cups, and utensils. When in doubt, use disposable items or wash dishes with boiled or bottled water. Follow any specific direction from the city or county health authority.

Bathing and showering are usually allowed during many advisories, but avoid swallowing the water. Young children may need sponge baths because they are more likely to drink bathwater. Anyone with open wounds, a weakened immune system, or special medical concerns should follow advice from a health professional.

Use this quick guide

Household activity	Recommended action
Drinking or brushing teeth	Use bottled water or boiled water
Cooking, coffee, and infant formula	Use bottled water or bring tap water to a rolling boil
Making ice	Use safe water; discard existing ice made during the notice
Washing produce	Use bottled or boiled water
Bathing and showering	Usually permitted; prevent swallowing water
Laundry and toilet flushing	Generally permitted unless officials issue different instructions
Pets and aquarium use	Use safe water and follow species-specific care guidance

Businesses, restaurants, schools, childcare centers, and healthcare facilities may have additional requirements. Food service operators should follow county environmental health instructions before preparing or serving food, making beverages, washing equipment, or reopening affected operations.

Check bills, repairs, and utility information

An advisory may occur during work on a water main, service connection, pump, valve, treatment facility, or pressure zone. Do not open hydrants, operate street valves, or attempt repairs on city-owned equipment. These actions can interfere with system recovery and may create additional hazards.

For general account questions or contact information, residents can review monthly utility bill details. A bill may help identify an account or service address, but it will not determine whether water is safe during an emergency. Follow the current city notice rather than relying on a normal billing cycle.

If you plan related private property work after service is restored, use the city’s guidance on digging safely before excavating. Calling for utility marking helps protect water lines, gas lines, and other infrastructure.

Wait for official clearance

Continue precautions until Susanville Public Works or the designated public health authority announces that the advisory has ended. Repairs may be complete before laboratory testing and system flushing are finished. A notification that water service has returned does not automatically mean the advisory has been lifted.

After clearance, run cold-water taps for several minutes, beginning with the faucet closest to where water enters the building. Remove and replace refrigerator or faucet filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions, clean ice makers, and make a fresh batch of ice. Building managers may need to flush larger systems and coordinate with tenants or employees.

Keep essential supplies ready

A small emergency water supply can make a notice easier to manage. Store sealed bottled water or containers specifically intended for potable water, and check them periodically for damage or expiration guidance. Keep a clean pot, covered storage containers, disinfecting supplies, and pet-water containers available.

Helpful preparation steps include:

Save the city’s utility and emergency contact information
Sign up for available local alerts and monitor official updates
Keep bottled water for drinking, cooking, and medications
Identify household members who need extra support
Keep pets’ food and water needs in your emergency plan

Follow the latest instructions from the City of Susanville Public Works Department, county health officials, and emergency services. Share accurate information with neighbors, renters, customers, and family members, and contact the appropriate city office promptly if you see discolored water, damaged infrastructure, or a continuing service problem.