How can I use tap water safely during a boil water advisory?

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With some Richmond neighborhoods placed under a boil water advisory following issues at the city's water treatment plant, many residents may be wondering how to use tap water safely. Here are tips from the Virginia Department of Health.

A boil water advisory was issued for many neighborhoods throughout Richmond on Tuesday, May 27.

According to the Virginia Department of Health, residents who still have water service are urged to bring tap water to a full rolling boil, let it boil for one minute and let it cool before ingesting in order to effectively kill microorganisms like bacteria, viruses or protozoans that can cause disease. Alternatively, residents can also use bottled water.

Water filters should not be used as a substitute for boiling water, according to the department, as these devices can only improve the taste, odor or chemical quality of the water, but will not remove microorganisms.

While the advisory is in effect, residents should follow the guidelines from the department below:

• Do not drink tap water, including water and ice dispensed from your refrigerator.
• Do not use tap water to make baby formula, drinks, juices or fountain drinks.
• Do not drink from water fountains placed anywhere that receive city water (parks, public or private buildings on that grid, etc.).
• Do not use ice made from water poured today. Discard those ice cubes and sanitize your ice machine and trays.
• Do not wash your dishes using tap water. Use boiled water for cleaning or eat on paper plates.
• Do not wash your fruits or vegetables with tap water. Use boiled or bottled water.
• Do not brush your teeth with tap water. Use boiled or bottled water.
• Do not cook with tap water unless your food will be boiled vigorously for at least three minutes.
• Do not give tap water to animals or pets unless it has first been boiled and has cooled down.

For those who have water service, take the following steps to conserve during the advisory:

• Do not take showers or take shorter ones.
• Avoid unnecessary toilet flushing.
• Avoid washing clothes for as long as you can.
• Avoid washing your dishes.
• Check all of your faucets, showerheads and under cabinets for drips.

It's not necessary to boil tap water used for washing your hands, bathing or showering, according to the department. When washing your hands, scrub them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and rinse well under running water.

If soap and water are not available, you can use alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Children, teens, adults and seniors can shower or bathe, though they should avoid getting water in the mouth or swallowing. Infants and toddlers should reportedly be sponge bathed. No special soaps are necessary.

For more information on boil water advisories, visit the Virginia Department of Health’s website.

This is the second boil water advisory issued in the city in 2025 since the Richmond area water crisis in early January.