Boil-water advisory: what does it mean?
Your tap water may temporarily not be clean enough. In that case, we issue a boil-water advisory. Read what that is, what you should do, and frequently asked questions.
Have you received a letter advising that a boil-water advisory applies to your tap water? If so, please boil your tap water for 3 minutes before using it for the following:
- Drinking
- Coffee, tea, squash, infant formula or other beverages
- Brushing your teeth
- Washing fruit and vegetables
You may still use your tap water for cooking food and showering. It can also be used for washing your hands, cleaning, flushing the toilet, and washing dishes. Therefore, there is no need to buy bottled water.
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How will I know that the boil-water advisory has been lifted?
If we find bacteria that should not be present in the tap water, we always take additional water samples to check the water quality. These tests take several days to complete. We will send you a letter once the tap water is safe to use again. After that, you will no longer need to boil your tap water before using it.
Pan or kettle
Boiling water tap
Pan or kettle
Frequently asked questions
What is a boil-water advisory?
When we issue a boil-water advisory, we recommend boiling your tap water for 3 minutes before drinking it or using it to prepare food. We do this when we find bacteria that do not belong in the water during an inspection. Boiling the water kills those bacteria.
How long should I boil the water?
The water should boil for 3 minutes to kill all bacteria. For example, in a kettle or pan.
When will I receive a boil-water advisory?
Unfortunately, sometimes the tap water is temporarily not clean enough. This can be the result of a problem or maintenance. For example, when a pipe has been open. If so, there is a small chance that dirt has entered the pipe. As a precaution, you will then receive a boil-water advisory.
How do I know if a boil-water advisory has been issued?
If it concerns a small area, Waternet will notify you personally. We do this by letter or telephone. Are there problems in a wider area? Then we will inform people through local media, such as RTV Noord-Holland and/or AT5. You will also find information on our website.
How does Waternet find out that tap water is contaminated?
Waternet examines the tap water every day. Tap water should not contain bacteria that can make people sick. We therefore take water samples at dozens of sites every day. If we are not sure if the water is completely safe, we issue a boil-water advisory until we are sure.
How do these bacteria get into the tap water?
There can be several reasons why bacteria get into tap water. This can happen, for example, if groundwater has entered a pipe. Or if a pipe leaks during excavation work or in case of a pipe burst.
Can I boil the water in a Senseo machine or another coffee maker?
No, you cannot. In this type of appliance, the water boils for a very short time, or stays below boiling point. Boil the water used in this type of appliance for 3 minutes as well.
Should I also boil the water before brushing my teeth with it?
Yes, it is better if you boil the water to be sure.
Is it safe to take a shower or bath?
You can shower and bathe as normal. Do make sure not to swallow any water.
Berry, the digital assistent