What To Do During a Boil Water Advisory & How to Stay Prepared

Imagine waking up to a boil water advisory—no safe water to drink, cook, or even brush your teeth. It happened to 50,000 St. Louis residents last month. Here’s exactly how to survive it. Whether you’re facing a local main break, contamination event, or simply want to be ready for the next one, this guide walks you through the essentials.

We'll also cover a real-life example from St. Louis, and how a reliable water filtration system can help you stay protected—even when the tap isn’t safe.

What Is a Boil Water Advisory?

A boil water advisory is a public health warning issued when your local water supply may be contaminated. It’s often triggered by:

• A drop in water pressure
• A broken or leaking water main
• Bacterial contamination or risk thereof
• Equipment failure at treatment plants

Even if the water looks clean, it could contain harmful bacteria or pathogens. That’s why these advisories are issued out of caution until test results confirm safety.

Real Example: St. Louis Boil Water Advisory (June 2025)

On June 19, 2025, residents in South St. Louis received a precautionary advisory after a 20-inch water main broke near Kings highway and Arsenal. Neighborhoods like The Hill, Southwest Garden, and North Hampton were affected.

While no contamination was confirmed, the advisory remained in place for nearly 24 hours as testing was conducted. The advisory was officially lifted after midnight on June 20 when samples came back clean.

This event is a perfect reminder that these situations can happen even in well-maintained urban water systems. And when they do, preparation is key.

What To Do During a Boil Water Advisory

If you’re under an advisory, follow these best practices:

Boil Water for Safety

Bring water to a rolling boil for at least 3 minutes, then let it cool before using it for:

• Drinking or cooking
• Brushing teeth
• Making baby formula
• Washing produce
• Cleaning wounds or medical devices

Bathing & Cleaning Tips

• Bathing is generally safe—but avoid swallowing water or getting it in your mouth or eyes.
• Use boiled or bottled water for washing pets, sensitive skin, or food prep areas.

Avoid These Mistakes

• Don’t use unboiled tap water in drinks, humidifiers, or ice makers.
• Most fridge filters don’t remove bacteria. Look for NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification, like the iFilters RO system we recommend below.

How to Stay Protected Year-Round

Boiling water is a great emergency measure—but it’s not always convenient or fast. That’s where home water filtration comes in.

Recommended: iFilters 5-Stage RO Filtration System

Shop Now →

This 5-stage reverse osmosis system filters out:

• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Lead
• Chlorine
• Other harmful contaminants

It’s NSF-certified, built in the USA, and designed to deliver clean, great-tasting water—even when your city’s water quality can’t be trusted. With a 100 GPD flow rate and long-lasting filters, it’s a powerful solution for everyday safety and emergency backup.

After the Advisory: What to Do Next

Once the boil notice is lifted, take a few final steps to ensure safety:

• Flush faucets and shower heads for 5+ minutes
• Discard any ice made during the advisory
• Sanitize coffee makers, water coolers, and other appliances
• Replace water filters if exposed during the advisory window

Final Tips to Prepare Before the Next Advisory

You never know when an advisory might hit. Here’s how to stay ready:

• Keep 1–2 gallons of bottled water per person at home
• Install a reliable point-of-use system, like a reverse osmosis filter
• Sign up for your city’s emergency alerts 
• Replace filters regularly and test your water once a year—especially if you rely on well water

Boil Advisory FAQs

What should you do during a boil water advisory?

During a boil water advisory, bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least 3 minutes before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or washing produce. Use boiled or bottled water for any activity where water may be ingested.

Can you shower during a boil water advisory?

Yes, you can shower during a boil water advisory as long as you avoid swallowing the water. Extra caution is advised for children and those with weakened immune systems—using boiled or bottled water for sponge baths may be safer.

Do I need to boil water if I have a filter?

Not all water filters remove bacteria or viruses. Unless your filter is specifically certified for microbiological purification (e.g., NSF/ANSI 53 or 58), you should still boil the water during an advisory.

How long should you boil water during a boil advisory?

Water should be boiled for at least 3 full minutes at a rolling boil to ensure that harmful microorganisms are killed before the water is safe to use.

How do you flush your home after a boil water advisory is lifted?

Flush all faucets by running cold water for 5 minutes. Discard ice made during the advisory, sanitize appliances that use water, and replace any filters that may have been exposed to contaminated water.

Final Thoughts

Clean water should never be a question. Whether you're prepping for emergencies or just want better-tasting, safer water year-round, we’re here to help with trusted solutions you can count on.

Stop risking unsafe water. The iFilters RO system removes 99.9% of bacteria, so you’ll never panic during an advisory.