Is tap water safe to drink after a disaster?

Tap water may be contaminated and not safe to use or drink after a disaster.

• Follow your state, local, or tribal health department for specific recommendations regarding boiling or treating water in your area.
• Do not drink, wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or mix baby formula with water you think -- or have been told -- is unsafe.
• If water in your area is contaminated, use bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene.

To learn more, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s guide on Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water