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During a boil-water advisory, do not use ice or water from a refrigerator connected to the water line, and do not brush your teeth with untreated tap water. Use bottled water or tap water boiled and cooled for brushing; for dishes, choose disposable items, a dishwasher that meets CDC’s criteria, or hand-wash and sanitize them. Always follow the local notice, since a “do not drink” or “do not use” advisory may require different precautions.
What changes during a boil-water advisory
A boil-water advisory means local officials want people to take precautions against possible germs in tap water. It affects ordinary kitchen and bathroom routines as well as drinking: ice, refrigerator dispensers, tooth brushing, and washing dishes all need attention. CDC’s general guidance for these household decisions is set out in Drinking Water Advisories: An Overview, dated March 4, 2024.
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The instructions below address a boil-water advisory. Read the notice for your specific location and incident before acting: the suspected hazard and the type of advisory determine which precautions apply. This is general U.S. public-health guidance, not an assessment of a particular water-system incident. The utility or local health department’s instructions for your event take precedence.
For the three household decisions in this guide, the short version is: throw out ice made with tap water; use bottled or boiled-and-cooled water to brush your teeth; and use disposable dishes, a dishwasher that meets CDC’s criteria, or hand-washed dishes followed by a sanitizing soak. The details matter: a refrigerator filter does not replace boiling, not every dishwasher qualifies, and simply washing dishes by hand is not the complete sanitizing procedure.
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Ice and refrigerator water: discard and replace
Do not use water or ice from an appliance connected to the water line, including a refrigerator’s water or ice dispenser, during a drinking-water advisory. Ice made with tap water during a boil-water advisory should be thrown away. The CDC’s Drinking Water Advisory Communication Toolbox states: “Throw out all ice made with tap water.” The toolbox is dated 2016; this explicit ice instruction is corroborated by CDC’s more recent general advisory guidance.
The practical rule is to treat existing tap-water ice as unsafe for use during the advisory rather than trying to salvage it. That applies to ice made by an automatic ice maker connected to the plumbing and to ice trays filled from the affected tap. Do not use the refrigerator’s line-connected water dispenser either.
To make replacement ice, use commercially bottled water or tap water that has been boiled and allowed to cool. If using boiled tap water, bring clear water to a full rolling boil for one minute—or three minutes above 6,500 feet—then cool it before filling an ice tray. CDC says to boil tap water even if it has passed through a home filter or pitcher filter, so a household filter should not be treated as a substitute for this step.
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For a simple choice, bottled water avoids the boiling-and-cooling steps when it is available and permitted by the local notice. Boiled tap water is another CDC-supported option for germ-related precautions, but it must be boiled for the specified time and cooled before use. CDC does not recommend a particular bottled-water brand, refrigerator model, filter, or ice maker.
Brushing teeth: use safe water
Brush with commercially bottled water or tap water that has been boiled and cooled. Do not use unboiled tap water for brushing. CDC’s household guidance says: “Brush your teeth using boiled water or commercially bottled water.” The same safe-water choice is the practical option whenever water could be swallowed while brushing or rinsing.
In practice, set aside bottled water or a clean supply of boiled-and-cooled water for brushing rather than using the bathroom tap as usual. A home filter or pitcher filter does not remove the need to boil tap water under CDC’s guidance. If you choose boiled water, follow the same full rolling boil and elevation time described below, and let the water cool before using it.
Bottled and boiled water are alternatives, not different levels of CDC endorsement. Choose based on what is available and on the instructions in the local advisory. If the notice is not a boil-water advisory, do not assume these steps are enough: chemical or other hazards can require different action.
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Washing dishes safely
Disposable plates, cups, and utensils are the simplest option when available. If you use reusable dishes, CDC identifies two routes: a dishwasher that meets the stated criteria, or hand washing followed by a separate sanitizing soak. Sanitize baby bottles as well. The right choice depends on what you have: disposable items avoid reusing dishes during the advisory; a qualifying dishwasher provides one reusable-dish option; and hand washing can work when you complete the specified bleach-soak and air-drying steps.
Do not assume that ordinary washing alone is equivalent to the recommended procedure. CDC’s hand-washing method includes washing and rinsing, a measured bleach solution, a soak of at least one minute, and complete air drying. The bleach solution is for sanitizing the already rinsed items; it does not replace removing food and residue.
Using a dishwasher
CDC says dishwashers are generally safe during a boil-water advisory if they have a sanitizing cycle or reach a final rinse temperature of at least 150°F (66°C). Check the appliance manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm the final-rinse temperature; do not assume that any dishwasher cycle qualifies. A sanitizing-cycle label is one qualifying condition. The other is a final rinse that reaches the stated temperature.
If you cannot confirm either condition, choose disposable dishware or use the CDC hand-washing and sanitizing procedure instead. CDC’s guidance does not compare dishwasher brands or models, so the relevant question is whether your appliance meets one of the two conditions—not which product is generally considered best.
Hand washing and sanitizing
Follow the full sequence below. The dilution, soak time, and drying step are part of the procedure:
- Wash and rinse dishes as usual with hot water.
- In a separate basin, mix one teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach with one gallon of warm water.
- Soak the rinsed dishes in that solution for at least one minute.
- Remove the dishes and let them air dry completely before reuse.
Use unscented household liquid bleach and follow the specified dilution and soak time. Keep this sanitizing step separate from washing and rinsing: first clean off food and residue, then soak the rinsed items. After the soak, allow them to air dry completely rather than putting them away wet or reusing them before drying. CDC also says to sanitize baby bottles.
If you have disposable dishes, using them can be a straightforward alternative to checking a dishwasher’s rinse temperature or preparing the sanitizing solution. If you prefer reusable dishes, choose the qualifying dishwasher route only when you can confirm a sanitizing cycle or the required final rinse temperature; otherwise use the entire hand-washing method.
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If you need to boil tap water
For the germ-related precautions covered by a boil-water advisory, bring clear tap water to a full rolling boil for one minute, then let it cool before use. At elevations above 6,500 feet, boil it for three minutes. Boil tap water even if it has gone through a home filter or pitcher filter. These times and the elevation threshold are CDC guidance published March 4, 2024; the CDC’s Crypto-at-home guidance, dated July 7, 2025, also supports boiling and tooth-brushing precautions.
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The time is measured at a full rolling boil: one minute in general, or three minutes when you are above 6,500 feet. Let the water cool before using it for brushing or making ice. These are operational instructions, not a claim that boiling is appropriate for every water problem. If the tap water is not clear or your local notice gives different instructions, follow local officials rather than treating this general method as a substitute.
CDC specifically says to boil tap water even after it has passed through a home filter or pitcher filter. A filter may be part of normal household use, but it does not change the boil time in this guidance. If you do not want to boil water, commercially bottled water is another stated option for brushing and replacement ice, subject to the local notice.
Check the advisory type before relying on boiling
“Boil water,” “do not drink,” and “do not use” are not interchangeable instructions. Boiling can kill germs, but it will not make water containing harmful chemicals or toxins safe. A “do not use” notice can warn that any contact is dangerous. Follow the specific notice and instructions from your water utility or local health department rather than applying boil-water steps to a different kind of advisory.
This distinction is important because this article’s practical options—boiling tap water, choosing a dishwasher, or sanitizing dishes—are discussed for a boil-water advisory. A “do not drink” advisory may involve chemicals or toxins, and a “do not use” advisory can signal a contact hazard. Do not assume bottled water or a household treatment step makes every activity safe under those notices; check the instructions issued for your location and incident.
If the notice is unclear, look for the advisory type and the directions for household use, or contact the utility or local health department. The applicable precautions depend on the suspected contaminant and the advisory. The general CDC guidance is useful for the household decisions described here, but the local notice governs what to do in a specific event.
Quick household decision guide
- Ice or refrigerator dispenser: Do not use line-connected water or ice; discard ice made with tap water and make new ice from bottled or boiled-and-cooled water.
- Tooth brushing: Use bottled water or boiled-and-cooled tap water. Do not brush with unboiled tap water.
- Dishes: Prefer disposable dishware, a qualifying dishwasher, or hand washing followed by the bleach sanitizing soak and complete air drying.
- Dishwasher check: Confirm it has a sanitizing cycle or reaches a final rinse temperature of at least 150°F (66°C); check the manual or manufacturer.
- Hand-washing measure: Use one teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach per gallon of warm water and soak rinsed items for at least one minute.
- Boiling measure: Bring clear tap water to a full rolling boil for one minute, or three minutes above 6,500 feet; cool before use and boil even if filtered.
- Unclear or different advisory: Check the local notice; boiling is not a remedy for chemical contamination or every contact hazard.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the ice already in my freezer?
Do not use ice made with tap water during the boil-water advisory. CDC’s advisory toolbox says to throw out all ice made with tap water. Make replacement ice with commercially bottled water or tap water that has been boiled and cooled.
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Can I use my refrigerator’s water or ice dispenser?
No. CDC says not to use water or ice from appliances connected to the water line, including refrigerator and freezer dispensers. A filter does not replace the CDC-recommended boiling procedure for tap water.
Can I brush my teeth with tap water if I do not swallow it?
CDC’s instruction is to brush with commercially bottled water or tap water that has been boiled and cooled. Do not use unboiled tap water for brushing.
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No. CDC says dishwashers are generally safe if they have a sanitizing cycle or reach a final rinse temperature of at least 150°F (66°C). Check the manual or manufacturer to confirm the rinse temperature. If you cannot confirm that the appliance qualifies, use disposable dishware or the hand-washing sanitizing method.
What is the CDC method for hand-washing dishes?
Wash and rinse normally with hot water. Then soak the rinsed dishes for at least one minute in a separate solution of one teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach per gallon of warm water. Let the items air dry completely before reuse. Sanitize baby bottles as well.
Does boiling work for a “do not drink” notice?
Not necessarily. Boiling kills germs, but it will not make water containing harmful chemicals or toxins safe. “Do not drink” and “do not use” advisories are not the same as a boil-water advisory, so follow the local notice and health officials’ instructions.
How long should I boil tap water?
CDC’s general guidance is a full rolling boil for one minute, or three minutes above 6,500 feet. Let the water cool before use. Boil it even if it has passed through a home filter or pitcher filter.
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Can I use ice already in my freezer during a boil-water advisory?
Do not use ice made with tap water during the advisory. Throw it out and make replacement ice with bottled water or boiled-and-cooled tap water.
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Can I use a refrigerator water or ice dispenser?
No. Do not use water or ice from appliances connected to the water line, including refrigerator and freezer dispensers.
Can I brush my teeth with tap water?
Use commercially bottled water or tap water that has been boiled and cooled. Do not use unboiled tap water for brushing.
Is any dishwasher safe during a boil-water advisory?
A dishwasher is generally safe only if it has a sanitizing cycle or reaches a final rinse temperature of at least 150°F (66°C). Check the manual or manufacturer.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallHow do I sanitize dishes by hand?
Wash and rinse normally, then soak for at least one minute in one teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach per gallon of warm water. Let dishes air dry completely.
Does boiling make water safe during a “do not drink” advisory?
Not necessarily. Boiling kills germs but will not make water containing harmful chemicals or toxins safe. Follow the local advisory instructions.
The Bottom Line
During a boil-water advisory, discard tap-water ice, use bottled or boiled-and-cooled water for brushing, and choose disposable dishes, a qualifying dishwasher, or the complete hand-washing sanitizing method. Boil clear tap water at a full rolling boil for one minute—or three minutes above 6,500 feet—and follow local instructions, especially if the notice is not a boil-water advisory.
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