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Boil Water Notices FAQ Food & Beverages

Is it safe to use a dishwasher?

Household dishwashers generally are safe to use if the water reaches a final rinse temperature of at least 150° Fahrenheit or if the dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle.

To wash dishes by hand:

  • Wash and rinse the dishes as you normally would using hot water
  • In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water
  • Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least 1 minute
  • Let the dishes air dry completely
I have a water filter – doesn’t that protect me?

Water filters in refrigerators and pitchers do not remove bacteria. For under-sink filters, read the manual or check with your installer to determine the filter’s bacteria-removal capabilities. If in doubt, boil the water.

Can I use my coffee maker, ice machine, and water from my refrigerator or soda dispenser?

Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water lines. This includes the water and ice dispensers in your refrigerator/freezer. Use boiled, bottled, or disinfected water to make ice — freezing does not disinfect water. If a boil water order was issued, consult the owner’s manual to find out how to sanitize appliances after the boil order is lifted. This is not necessary for customers under a boil water advisory unless SUB notifies customers to the contrary.

What should I do about feeding my baby?

If you breastfeed, continue to do so. If you use or supplement with baby formula:

  • Use ready-to-use baby formula, if possible.
  • Prepare powdered or concentrated baby formula with bottled water. Use boiled water if you do not have bottled water. Disinfect water for baby formula if you cannot boil your water or don’t have access to bottled water (see above for directions on how to use bleach to disinfect water).
  • Wash and sterilize bottles and nipples with boiled or disinfected water before use.
  • If you cannot sterilize bottles, use single-serve, ready-to-feed bottles.