In short: A boil water notice means your tap water might contain bacteria, viruses or parasites. Bring tap water to a rolling boil and let it cool before using it for drinking, brushing teeth, making ice, preparing food, cleaning feeding equipment or giving to pets. Showering, laundry, toilet flushing and washing dishes in hot water can carry on, and you keep boiling until your water company says the notice is lifted.
Key facts
- A boil water notice means the water in your tap might contain bacteria, viruses or parasites which could be harmful to your health. Source
- Water companies issue boil water notices; for private water supplies, the local authority issues them. Source
- Boiled water should be stored in a clean container in the fridge and thrown away if not used within 24 hours. Source
- The NHS says to use freshly boiled tap water for formula, left to cool for no more than 30 minutes so it stays at 70°C or above. Source
- NI Water's current service updates page has a postcode search, and its 24-hour line is 03457 440088. Source
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A boil water notice can sound alarming, but it is a precaution with a simple fix: boil your tap water before you drink it or use it for food. UK tap water is normally safe to drink straight from the tap, and boil notices are uncommon. This guide explains what a notice means, exactly what to boil water for, what you can carry on doing as normal, and how to check whether your area is affected.
What is a boil water notice?
A boil water notice tells you that the water in your tap might contain bacteria, viruses or parasites which could be harmful to your health. Boiling kills them.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) says tap water is normally safe without boiling. On rare occasions treatment or supply systems can fail, usually because of weather emergencies or engineering works.
The Consumer Council for Water adds that a notice is often issued after routine water quality tests have revealed the presence of some bacteria in the supply.
Who issues a boil water notice?
- Your water company issues notices to customers in the affected area.
- Your local authority issues them if you are on a private water supply, such as a private borehole or spring.
- In Northern Ireland, NI Water works with the Public Health Agency. In a past incident, the PHA said it was liaising with Northern Ireland Water on the notice.
However you hear about it, the wording on your notice is what to follow.
What should I do during a boil water notice?
The DWI's instructions are:
- Boil the water. Bring tap water to a rolling boil, for example in a kettle.
- Let it cool naturally. Take it off the heat and leave it to cool before you use it.
- Store it safely. Keep cooled boiled water in a clean container in the fridge. Throw it away if you haven't used it within 24 hours.
- Take care with hot water. Boiling water causes scalds, so keep kettles and pans away from children.
Scottish Water's advice in a past notice also said not to use water that has been boiled several times. Boil fresh water each time.
The Consumer Council for Water reminds people not to skip boiling to save energy. It is essential to keep your household safe.
What do I need to boil water for?
Use boiled and cooled water for:
- Drinking
- Brushing teeth
- Making ice cubes
- Preparing food, including washing fruit and salad
- Cleaning baby feeding equipment
- Giving water to pets
This list comes from the DWI. Scottish Water's advice in a past notice also included washing open wounds and first aid.
What can I use unboiled tap water for?
| Activity | Boil first? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drinking and ice cubes | Yes | Boil and cool |
| Brushing teeth | Yes | Boil and cool |
| Preparing food, washing salad | Yes | Boil and cool |
| Baby feeding equipment | Yes | Boil and cool |
| Pets' drinking water | Yes | Boil and cool |
| Showering and bathing | No | Don't get water in your mouth |
| Washing dishes | No | Use hot water and dry thoroughly before use |
| Washing clothes | No | Carry on as normal |
| Flushing the toilet | No | Carry on as normal |
Source: Drinking Water Inspectorate.
How do I make baby formula during a boil water notice?
The NHS says to use freshly boiled drinking water from the tap to make up a feed. Leave it to cool in the kettle for no more than 30 minutes, so it stays at 70°C or above, the temperature that kills harmful bacteria. Don't use water that has already been boiled.
Some practical points:
- Bottled water is not usually recommended for formula, according to the NHS, because it isn't sterile and may contain too much salt or sulphate. Scottish Water's advice in a past notice said not to use bottled "natural mineral water" for baby feeds, other than water supplied by Scottish Water.
- Ready-to-feed formula is an option if you can't boil water. GOV.UK says ready-made or "ready-to-feed" formula is best in an emergency for exactly this reason.
- Feeding equipment should be cleaned with boiled water.
If you have any doubt, speak to your health visitor, GP or NHS 111.
What are "do not drink" and "do not use" notices?
These are different from a boil water notice, and more serious.
The DWI says that, very occasionally, you may be told to stop using your water altogether. In that case, drink bottled water or an alternative supply provided by your water company.
What to know:
- Don't assume boiling is enough. A boil notice is about germs that boiling kills. If you are told to stop using your water, don't drink it boiled or unboiled unless your notice says that's safe.
- Read the exact wording. Your water company will say what the water can and can't be used for, for example whether it is safe for washing or flushing.
- Alternative water will be arranged. Your water company will tell you where to get bottled water. If you are on the Priority Services Register, GOV.UK says your water company will arrange alternative supplies for you.
A small store of bottled water at home helps here. See our guide to emergency water storage.
How do I check if my area is affected?
- England and Wales: GOV.UK advises you to check your water provider's website for service in your area. The CCW also points to your water company's website. Your company's name and number are on your water bill.
- Scotland: GOV.UK says the Scottish Water website lets customers see the status of the supply in their area. Scottish Water's customer line, given in a past notice, is 0800 077 8778.
- Northern Ireland: NI Water's current service updates page has a postcode search and lists water quality alerts. Its 24-hour line is 03457 440088.
- Private supplies: Contact your local authority.
Write your water company's number on your household emergency contacts list so you can find it without searching.
Who can get extra help during a boil water notice?
The CCW says people with medical needs can get extra help, such as bottled water delivered in an emergency, by joining their water company's Priority Services Register.
The register is free. The joint PSR website says you only need to register with your electricity provider, and your details are shared with your gas and water providers. Eligibility includes pensionable age, health conditions, reduced mobility and having a child aged five or under at home. See our Priority Services Register guide.
If you have older or vulnerable neighbours, check they know about the notice and have a way to boil water.
How long does a boil water notice last, and what happens when it's lifted?
There is no set length. The CCW says to keep boiling until your water company tells you to stop.
When a notice ends, your water company will tell you. In a past Scottish incident, Scottish Water delivered further notices to all homes and businesses to say the restrictions had been lifted. Follow any instructions in the lifting notice, for example about running your taps.
Do I get compensation for a boil water notice?
Not automatically. The CCW says you're not entitled to compensation simply because your area is subject to a boil water notice. Separate compensation rules can apply if you lose your water supply altogether; ask your water company.
Boil water notice checklist
- Read the notice and check which addresses or postcodes it covers
- Don't use ice cubes made from unboiled tap water
- Put a note on the kitchen tap as a reminder
- Boil fresh tap water, let it cool, store it in the fridge, use within 24 hours
- Use boiled water for drinking, teeth, ice, food, feeding equipment and pets
- Follow NHS guidance for baby formula
- Check on vulnerable neighbours
- Keep checking your water company's website until the notice is lifted
Limitations
This page is general information based on official UK guidance, not professional advice. Always follow the exact instructions on the notice from your water company or local authority, as they reflect the specific problem in your area. If someone becomes unwell, contact NHS 111 or your GP, and call 999 in an emergency. Arrangements differ across the UK: Scottish Water and NI Water handle notices in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and private supplies are covered by local authorities.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a boil water notice mean?
It means your tap water might contain bacteria, viruses or parasites that could be harmful. Boiling the water kills them, so you boil and cool water before drinking it or using it for food until the notice is lifted.
Can I shower during a boil water notice?
Yes. The Drinking Water Inspectorate says showering and bathing are fine as long as you don't get water in your mouth. Washing clothes and flushing the toilet can carry on as normal.
Do I need to boil water for brushing teeth?
Yes. Use boiled and cooled water for brushing teeth, as well as for drinking, making ice, preparing food, cleaning feeding equipment and giving water to pets.
How do I make baby formula during a boil water notice?
Follow NHS guidance: use freshly boiled tap water, left to cool for no more than 30 minutes so it stays at 70°C or above, and don't reuse water that has already been boiled. Ready-to-feed formula is an option if you can't boil water.
How long does a boil water notice last?
There is no fixed length. Keep boiling until your water company tells you the notice has been lifted.
Do I get compensation for a boil water notice?
Not automatically. The Consumer Council for Water says you're not entitled to compensation simply because your area is under a boil water notice, although separate rules can apply if you lose your supply.
Sources
- Drinking Water Inspectorate — Receiving a boil water notice
- Consumer Council for Water — What's a boil water notice?
- NHS — How to make up baby formula
- GOV.UK Be Ready — Water supply interruptions or outages
- GOV.UK Be Ready — Be ready for emergencies
- Orkney Islands Council — Stronsay boil water notice (Scottish Water advice)
- Orkney Islands Council — All clear for Stronsay drinking water
- Public Health Agency (NI) — Boil drinking water in Ballymoney area
- NI Water — Current service updates
- Priority Services Register (thepsr.co.uk)