If the City of Bellevue issues a boil water advisory for your property, use commercially bottled water or boil your tap water. Please find detailed instructions below, as per the CDC.
Boiling Water
If commercially bottled water is not available, boil your tap water. To kill germs, bring water to a full rolling boil for 1 minute. To avoid burns, allow boiled water to cool before you use it.
Boil your tap water even if you filter it. For example, boil tap water if it has been through a home water filter or a pitcher that filters water.
Before using tap water during a boil water advisory, bring the water to a rolling boil for 1 minute.
Drinking & Cooking
Use commercially bottled water or boiled water for drinking and to prepare and cook food.
Breastfeeding is the best option for feeding an infant. If you feed your child formula, provide ready-to-use formula if possible.
Handwashing
In many cases, you can use tap water and soap to wash your hands during a boil water advisory. Follow the advice from your local officials.
Bathing & Showering
Be careful not to swallow any water when bathing or showering.
Use caution when bathing babies and young children. Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water.
Brushing Teeth
Brush your teeth using boiled water or commercially bottled water. Do not use tap water that you have not boiled first.
Washing Dishes
If possible, use disposable plates, cups, and utensils during a boil water advisory.
Sanitize all baby bottles.
Dishwashers are generally safe to use if they have a sanitizing cycle or reach a final rinse temperature of at least 150°F (66°C). Check the manual or contact the manufacturer to find out what temperature your dishwater reaches.
To wash dishes by hand:
- Wash and rinse the dishes as you normally would using hot water.
- In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water.
- Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least one minute.
- Let the dishes air dry completely before using them again.
Laundry
It is safe to wash clothes as usual.
Cleaning
Clean washable toys and surfaces with:
- Commercially bottled water,
- Boiled water, or
- Water that has been disinfected with bleach
Caring for Pets
Give pets commercially bottled water or boiled water that has cooled. Pets can get sick from some of the same germs as people or spread germs to people.
Caring for your Garden & Houseplants
You can continue to use tap water for houseplants and gardens, including watering plants you eat.
