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Boil-water advisory: what does it mean?

Due to a problem or maintenance, your tap water may temporarily not be clean enough. In that case, we issue a boil-water advisory. This means that you can only use tap water after boiling the water for 3 minutes. After that, it is safe to use. A boil-water advisory is usually valid for 3 to 4 days.

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What should you do?

Boil the tap water for 3 minutes before using it for:

  • Drinking
  • Making coffee, tea, lemonade or baby formula
  • Brushing your teeth
  • Cooking
  • Washing fruit or vegetables
  • Water for your pets

After boiling, the water is safe to drink.

How do you boil the water?

  • Use a pan or whistling kettle: let the water boil for 3 minutes.
  • Using a kettle: leave the lid open, otherwise it may switch off automatically.
  • A boiling water tap (such as a Quooker,) keeps water hot for longer. There is no need to boil this water again.
  • Please note: coffee machines usually do not boil the water long enough.

After 3 minutes of boiling, any bacteria in the water are dead. You can now use the water safely.

When does the boil-water advisory expire?

You will receive a letter when the water is safe again. After that, you no longer need to boil it.

Water from mobile water station or water tank

Sometimes there is no water at all. In that case, Waternet will place a mobile water station or tank with clean water in your neighbourhood. But your own jerrycan, pan or bottle might not be clean enough. Therefore, also boil this water for 3 minutes to make sure it is safe.

When will I receive a boil-water advisory?

Unfortunately, sometimes the tap water is temporarily not clean enough. This can be the result of a problem or maintenance. For example, when a pipe has been open. If so, there is a small chance that dirt has entered the pipe. As a precaution, you will then receive a boil-water advisory.

How long does a boil-water advisory last?

A boil-water advisory usually lasts 4 days. If Waternet finds bacteria that do not belong in tap water, we always take additional tap water samples to check the quality. These checks take a few days. We will let you know when we are sure the water is safe to drink.

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. 

Is it safe to take a shower or bath?

You can shower and bathe as normal. Do make sure not to swallow any water. 

Should I also boil the water before brushing my teeth with it?

Yes, it is better if you boil the water to be sure. 

I drank tap water two days ago. Should I be worried?

No. This kind of situation almost never causes complaints. If you do have stomach or bowel problems, it is best to see your GP.

All questions about a boil-water advisory
Berrybot Berry, the digital assistent