Water supply failure

What makes this different

The water company should provide bottled water stations if the supply fails for long. The key question is whether the water has stopped, or whether it is unsafe.

Notices you might see

• Boil water notice: boil all water for drinking, cooking and brushing teeth. Let it cool. Bathing is usually fine.
• Do not drink notice: do not drink it even if boiled. You can usually flush toilets and wash.
• Do not use notice: do not use it for anything. This usually means chemical contamination.

First hour

• Check the water company's website or social media for notices and bottled water stations.
• Use stored water for drinking.
• Keep water you collect for flushing separate from drinking water.

Stay or go?

Stay in most cases. Water stations or family elsewhere are the fallback if it lasts several days.