Drinking Water Safety

A hurricane can cause severe flooding that affects drinking water supplies.

Public or municipal drinking water systems are evaluated by the State and county health departments to determine whether boil water advisories or other actions are needed to ensure safe drinking water. If a boil water advisory is issued for your community, bring the water to a full rolling boil and maintain the full boil for at least one minute. Any time your drinking water appears cloudy, muddy, or even slightly discolored, it should not be used for drinking or cooking until it is disinfected.

Private drinking water wells that have been flooded should be tested before they are used. Contact your local health department for information about residential well testing and disinfection.

For more information

  • Flood Preparedness
  • Or for additional information on drinking water and private drinking water wells, call DOH's Environmental Health information line at 1-800-458-1158.