Why was a Boil Water Notice issued for my water?
A Boil Water Notice has been issued out of an abundance of caution due to a loss of pressure in your local water supply. This notice affects customers in zip codes 91344 and 91326. To check if your address is in the Boil Water Notice Zone, please visit the interactive map, located at www.ladwp.com/waterquality. Until adequate water pressure can be re-established, and LADWP confirms the water is safe, this notice remains in effect. It is possible that disease-causing organisms could be present. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. If you experience any of these symptoms, please consult with your healthcare professional as soon as possible.
How long will the need to boil water continue?
LADWP will inform you when tests show that water is safe to drink, and you no longer need to boil your water. For the latest updates, please visit ladwpnews.com.
How do I boil my water so that it is safe to drink?
Bring water to a FULL ROLLING BOIL for 1 MINUTE, then allow the water to COOL BEFORE USE. Because water may take 30 minutes to cool, plan ahead. Prepare a batch of boiled water in advance so you will not be tempted to use it hot and risk scalds or burns. Boiled water may be used for drinking, cooking, and washing.
What container should I use to obtain water from another location?
The container you use to get water from an alternative source or temporary water station can greatly affect your water. Use only appropriate containers that are clean and free of all dirt and contaminants. Never use a container that has ever held a chemical, gasoline, or other fuel.
What if I have a water pitcher/dispenser with a filter?
Boil tap water even if it is filtered. Most kitchen and other household water filters typically do not remove bacteria or viruses.
Can I use my tap water for cooking?
No, any water used for food preparation or cooking needs to be from an acceptable alternate source or boiled first.
What if I am boiling my water as part of the cooking process?
It is more protective to boil the water first, to prevent the potential for inadequate heating. The cooking process should bring the water to a full rolling boil for at least one minute before adding the food item (for example, making pasta).
How should I wash fruit, vegetables, or make ice?
Fruits, vegetables, and any other food that will not be cooked should be washed and rinsed with boiled (and then cooled) water or water from an acceptable alternative source. Similarly, ice should be made with either boiled water or water from an acceptable alternate source.
Can I use my water for making baby formula or drinks?
Any water used for baby food, formula, or making beverages must be boiled (and then cooled) or be from an acceptable alternate source.
Is potentially contaminated water safe for washing dishes?
Hand-washed dishes: No. Use boiled (then cooled) water, water from an acceptable alternate source, or after washing with dish detergent rinse for a minute in a dilute bleach (1 teaspoon of unscented bleach for each gallon of warm water). Allow dishes, cutlery, cups, etc. to completely air dry before use.
Home dishwasher: Only if the hot wash is at least 150°F and includes a full dry cycle. However, most home dishwashers do not reach this temperature. If you are uncertain of the temperature of your dishwasher, rinse in dilute bleach and completely air dry as described for hand washed dishes.
Commercial dishwasher: Only if it is an NSF listed washer and manufactured and operated with a heat sanitizing rinse set at 150°F that lasts for at least 30 seconds. Additional information on commercial dishwashers can be found in the fact sheets for food service establishments.
CAUTION - "Green" or "Environmentally Friendly" dish washer additives, which may be advertised as a disinfectant or anti-microbial, are weaker disinfectants and should not be relied on alone to eliminate potential pathogens.
Is potentially contaminated water safe for washing clothes?
Yes, it is safe to wash clothes in tap water. However, increased turbidity that sometimes occurs during a boil water event may discolor clothing, especially whites.
Can I brush my teeth without boiling the tap water?
No. Any water you ingest or place in your mouth should be disinfected by boiling (and then cooled) or come from an acceptable alternate source. Bottled water is an excellent option for brushing your teeth.
Is potentially contaminated water safe for bathing?
Your water may be used by healthy individuals for showering, bathing, and washing as long as care is taken not to swallow water.
To minimize the chance of infections, people with open wounds, cuts, blisters or recent surgical wounds and people who are immunocompromised or suffer from chronic illness should use boiled water (then cooled) or water from an alternate source. Children and disabled individuals should be supervised to ensure water is not ingested. Sponge bathing is advisable, and bathing time should be minimized to further reduce the potential for ingestion.
How should I wash my hands during a Boil Water Notice?
Generally, vigorous hand washing with soap and your tap water is safe for basic personal hygiene. If you are washing your hands to prepare food, you should use boiled (then cooled) water, bottled water, or water from another acceptable source for hand washing.
Is the water safe to give to my pet?
To be certain, give them water that has been boiled (then cooled) or water from an acceptable alternate source. More specific information may be available from your veterinarian, based on the actual animal and conditions for the Boil Water Notice.
Does a Boil Water Notice affect how I can use my toilets?
There is no need to disinfect water used for flushing. Unless a "Do Not Use" notice was issued, or a Water Conservation Notice was issued along with the Boil Water Notice, there is no restriction or concern about using your toilet.
What if I have already consumed potentially contaminated water?
The likelihood of becoming ill is low. However, illness is possible, especially for people that have a chronic illness or may be immunocompromised. This is why Boil Water Notices are issued. Anyone experiencing symptoms of gastroenteritis, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, with or without fever, should seek medical attention. These symptoms are not unique to exposure to potential contaminants/organisms in the water, and a doctor's involvement is key to identifying the cause of your illness.
I’m confused about the recent water notices. What is the current status of our water supply, and what should we be doing?
We apologize for the conflicting information and understand your confusion. We are currently working to repressurize our water system after the recent issue. This process requires us to refill our tanks, which is why we are asking residents not use water as much as possible.
We are issuing a precautionary boil water advisory for all tap water. This means if you absolutely must use tap water for drinking, cooking, or making ice, you must bring it to a rolling boil for at least one minute before use. The water is safe for bathing and other uses that do not involve consumption.
To be clear:
- Please do not use water. This helps us repressurize the system faster.
- If you must use water for consumption, please boil it first. This is a precautionary measure to ensure your safety while the system is being restored. We will notify you immediately once the system is fully pressurized and the boil water advisory has been lifted.
For additional information, please visit Drinking Water Advisories: An Overview | Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)-related Emergencies and Outbreaks | CDC.