Boil Water FAQs
General Information
As a precaution, The City of Hamilton can issue a Boil Water Notice, even if the possibility of contamination is remote, to protect customers from drinking water that may have been contaminated from a water main break, loss of system pressure, or results of routine sampling in the system.
When Boil Water Notices are issued, the notice will include the date and area of Hamilton impacted. It will also be issued through the Hamilton media and included in our social media outlets. When it is determined that the water is safe to consume, The City of Hamilton will issue a notice through the media and social media outlets rescinding the notice.
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking and for making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to consumption. The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil for two minutes. You may also use bottled water. Lab tests to determine the safety of the water will be performed before the boil water notice can be lifted.
For questions or concerns, call 254-386-8116.
State laws require that a Boil Water Notice be issued if a water system has (or could have) become contaminated from water main breaks, loss of system pressure, or results of routine sampling in the system.
- What should I do if a Boil Water Notice is issued?
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Do not drink the water without boiling it first. Bring all water to a rolling boil for at least two minutes, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, food preparation, and water for pets. Boiling kills harmful bacteria and other organisms in the water that may cause illness. You should throw away ice made during the time the notice was issued (freezing does not kill bacteria).
- Is the water safe for washing dishes, laundry, and bathing?
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The water is safe for washing dishes, but you should use hot, soapy water and rinse dishes in boiled water. There are no restrictions on doing laundry. The water is also safe for bathing.
- How do I prepare food and baby formula?
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Only use boiled or bottled water for cooking, making ice, washing fruits and vegetables, and making baby formula. If you must use water to make formula, use bottled water. If you don't have bottled water, use water that has been rapidly boiled for at least three minutes.
- How long will the need to boil water continue?
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Customers should not stop boiling the water until they receive notice from The City of Hamilton. Typically, the need to boil water lasts for 24 to 48 hours, but can be longer. How long will depend on the conditions that caused the need to boil, how quickly the conditions are corrected, and how long it takes for laboratory results to confirm it is safe to return to normal water use. The City of Hamilton will provide updates on the progress of corrective actions and how long the event is expected to last.
- What do I need to do when the Boil Water Notice has been lifted?
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The City of Hamilton will notify you when it is no longer necessary to boil the water. You should flush your water system by running all cold-water faucets in your home for at least one minute, cleaning automatic ice makers by making and discarding three batches of ice, and running water softeners through a regeneration cycle.