A boil water notice is currently in effect. This guide covers everything you need to know to keep your household safe.
Water authorities have issued a boil water notice for Detroit due to a water main break. While news like this can be alarming, following a few straightforward steps will keep you and your family safe until the all-clear is given. This guide covers exactly what to do, what you can and cannot use tap water for, and how to monitor the situation. Track this and all active US notices on our live US boil water notice tracker.
Your Household Safety Checklist
Work through the following steps as soon as possible if you live in the affected area.
Drinking Water
Do not drink unboiled tap water under any circumstances during an active notice. Bring water to a rolling boil for one minute — three minutes if you are at altitude above 6,500 feet. Store boiled water in clean, covered containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Commercially bottled water is a safe and convenient alternative for the duration of the notice.
Cooking and Food Preparation
Use boiled or bottled water for all cooking, including making soups, sauces, and pasta. Wash all fruit and vegetables with boiled or bottled water before eating. Do not use your refrigerator’s ice maker during the notice — discard any ice already made and switch to ice made from boiled or bottled water.
Oral Hygiene
Brush teeth with boiled or bottled water only. Even rinsing your toothbrush under the tap carries risk during a notice period. Use a cup of boiled or bottled water at the sink rather than running the tap directly.
Bathing and Showering
Adults may shower and bathe normally but should take care not to swallow water. Young children and infants present more of a risk — they are more likely to accidentally ingest water. Sponge baths with water boiled and cooled to a comfortable temperature are the safest option for young children during an active notice.
Pets and Animals
Animals are equally vulnerable to waterborne pathogens. Provide pets with boiled or bottled water for the duration of the notice. Birds and small animals are particularly sensitive — take extra care with them.
Staying Informed During the Detroit Notice
Your local water utility will communicate updates through their official website and local news channels. Bookmark our live US boil water notice tracker for a real-time view of this and all active notices across the US. For broader context on Detroit water quality including historical data and system compliance, see our Detroit water quality page and our overview.
You can also follow our water alert news section for ongoing coverage of water safety issues, and check the latest water quality database data for your area.
A reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI 58 can remove bacteria, viruses, and a wide range of chemical contaminants, offering protection even during notices. Our water filter guide compares certified options suitable for UK and US homes, with trusted recommendations from Waterdrop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I boil water during a boil water notice?
Bring water to a vigorous, rolling boil and maintain it for at least one full minute. If you are at an elevation above 6,500 feet, boil for three minutes as water boils at a lower temperature at altitude, which requires additional time to kill pathogens. Allow the water to cool before drinking, and store it in a clean, covered container.
Can I give my pets tap water during a boil water notice?
No. Pets are susceptible to the same waterborne pathogens that affect humans. During a boil water notice, you should provide all animals — including dogs, cats, birds, and small pets — with boiled and cooled water or commercially bottled water. Do not allow pets to drink from outside water sources, puddles, or ponds that may also be affected.
Can I wash my hands with tap water during a boil water notice?
Hand washing with soap and tap water is generally considered acceptable during a boil water notice, as long as you wash thoroughly for at least 20 seconds and do not touch your mouth, eyes, or food immediately after. For extra caution, particularly for young children and immunocompromised individuals, use boiled or bottled water. Hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol is also a safe alternative.
Source: Latest coverage via Google News. Always follow guidance from your local water authority.