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 do I boil the water?
Bring the water to the boil in a saucepan or kettle. Are you using an electric kettle? Make sure to leave the cover open. Most electric kettles will continue boiling if the lid is left open. Boil the water for at least 3 minutes. After that, it is safe to consume and use.
When do I need to boil my tap water?
Boil your tap water for at least 3 minutes before:
- Drinking it
- Making coffee, tea, lemonade, infant formula or other drinks with it
- Brushing your teeth with it
- Washing fruit and vegetables with it
- Sterilising babies' bottles and pacifiers with it
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 know that the tap water is contaminated?
Waternet tests the tap water every day. Tap water may not contain any bacteria that can make people ill. We therefore take water samples every day at dozens of locations. If we are not sure if the water is completely safe, we issue a boil-water advisory until we are sure.
How does tap water become contaminated?
There can be several reasons why bacteria get into the tap water. For example, this can happen when groundwater seeps into a pipe, when a pipe springs a leak during excavation work, or when it bursts.
Can I use a coffee maker?
Yes. Simply boil the water for 3 minutes before using it to make coffee.
Can I brush my teeth with tap water during a boil-water advisory?
Yes, but boil your tap water for 3 minutes before using it to brush your teeth.
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