Boil-water advisory
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Use bottled water or bring clear tap water to a rolling boil for 1 minute, then cool it; above 6,500 feet, boil for 3 minutes. Use approved water for drinking, cooking and brushing teeth. Follow the exact local notice. Boiling does not remove chemical contamination.
Take it with you. Verify locally.
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In immediate danger, contact local emergency services. Current instructions for your location take priority.
Do now.
- 01
Confirm the notice
Check that it is a boil-water advisory, rather than do-not-drink or do-not-use.
- 02
Boil and cool
Use the local authority instructions; allow water to cool safely before use.
- 03
Prevent accidental use
Avoid connected refrigerator water and ice; use safe water for food, formula and pets.
- 04
Follow the all-clear
Resume normal use only after official clearance and any flushing instructions.
Next steps.
Keep bottled water and a safe means of boiling available. If boiling is impractical, use the alternative named by officials.
Watch for.
A household pitcher filter does not replace boiling during this advisory.
Sources & context.
Original Osprey Zero summary of the references below. U.S.-based guidance unless noted; check authorities where you are. This page is not a live alert.
Updated 2026-10-02. Recheck official instructions during an active event.