Public health guidance
Boil-water orders and advisories
Understand the difference and take the recommended precautions until the notice is lifted.
What is the difference?
Boil-water order
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issues an order when a public-health threat exists, or is likely to exist, and boiling the water will remedy the threat.
Boil-water advisory
The District may issue an advisory when a possible drinking-water problem has not yet been confirmed, commonly after a major main break or other low-pressure event while confirmation samples are tested.
Precautions to take
- Boil water vigorously for three minutes.
Use boiled water for drinking, food preparation, diluting juice, and brushing teeth. Let it cool to approximately 110°F before drinking. - Discard existing ice.
Do not use household automatic ice makers until the notice is lifted. Remake ice using boiled water. - Disinfect food-contact surfaces.
Immerse dishes for at least one minute in clean tap water containing one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon.
Common questions
Do I need to boil bath water?
Usually not. Supervise children so they do not swallow bath or pool water. People with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult a physician.
Who should take extra care?
People with reduced immune function, infants under six months old, and older adults can be more seriously affected by water-borne illness. Immune function may be reduced by chemotherapy, organ transplants, or illnesses such as HIV/AIDS. People in these groups should contact their physicians for guidance.
Can I use bottled water?
Yes. Bottled water is a safe alternative for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth during an order or advisory.
Causes and possible symptoms
What can cause an order?
Common causes include the presence of fecal coliform or E. coli bacteria, low water pressure, or inadequate chlorine levels in systems that require chlorination. Less-common causes include high turbidity, cross-connections, inadequate treatment, and microbial pathogens such as Giardia or Cryptosporidium.
What are symptoms of water-borne illness?
Symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, possible jaundice, headaches, and fatigue. These symptoms can have causes unrelated to drinking water; contact a medical professional with health concerns.
Missouri DNR contact information
Water Protection Program — Public Drinking Water Branch
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176
800-361-4827 or 573-751-5331
Fax: 573-526-1146
Source: Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Water Protection Program fact sheet PUB2001 (August 2014). Nothing in the source document may be used to implement an enforcement action or levy a penalty unless promulgated by rule under Chapter 536 or authorized by statute.