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For a planned water main repair, fill clean, sanitized, food-grade containers with tap water before service is interrupted. Seal and date them, then store them in a cool place away from sunlight and chemicals. If water service is already interrupted or officials have issued an advisory, follow the local utility or health department’s directions: boiling can address germs, but it cannot make water contaminated with fuel or toxic chemicals safe.
How much tap water should you store?
The CDC recommends storing at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for 3 days. If possible, build toward a 2-week supply. Plan for extra water when household needs or conditions call for it, such as illness, pregnancy, pets, or hot weather. These are CDC emergency-supply recommendations, not a repair-specific estimate; the amount and duration of an interruption can vary.
For current planning guidance, see the CDC’s How to Create an Emergency Water Supply (June 27, 2025).
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Choose and sanitize a container
Use food-grade containers
The CDC recommends FDA-approved food-grade water storage containers. If you do not have one, choose a durable, unbreakable container with a tight-fitting lid; a narrow opening is preferable because it helps limit contamination during use. Never reuse a container that held toxic products such as pesticides or petroleum products.
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Clean and sanitize before filling
- Wash the container with soap and rinse it completely.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of unscented household chlorine bleach containing 5%–9% sodium hypochlorite into 1 quart of water.
- Pour the solution into the container, cover it, and shake so the solution touches every interior surface.
- Wait at least 30 seconds, pour out the solution, and let the container air-dry.
These container-preparation directions are from the CDC’s emergency water supply guidance. A storage container holds water; it is not a device for treating unsafe water.
Fill, label, and store the water
- Fill the sanitized container with tap water while the supply is still safe and available, before the repair interrupts service.
- Close it tightly. Label it “drinking water” and write the storage date on the label.
- Store it somewhere cool, away from direct sunlight and toxic substances such as gasoline or pesticides.
- Replace water in household-filled containers every six months.
- When dispensing water, use a clean utensil each time. Do not put hands or a used scoop into the stored water.
What to do if officials issue a water advisory
Read the exact notice from your water utility or local health department and follow its instructions. “Boil water,” “do not drink,” and “do not use” notices do not mean the same thing. The CDC’s Drinking Water Advisories: An Overview explains the categories; the right water source and permitted uses depend on the local notice and suspected hazard.
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| Notice or hazard | What it means for your response |
|---|---|
| Boil water advisory | Follow the local instructions for water uses and treatment. Boiling can kill germs, but it does not remove chemical contamination. |
| Do not drink advisory | Do not assume boiling makes the tap water safe to drink. A notice may involve harmful chemicals or toxins; use the alternative water source and follow the specific local directions. |
| Do not use advisory | Avoid tap water for any purpose while the notice is in effect, as directed by officials. |
| Suspected germs, with no contrary local instruction | CDC says clear water should be brought to a rolling boil for 1 minute, or 3 minutes at elevations above 6,500 feet. Cool it, then store it in clean, sanitized containers with tight covers. |
| Fuel, chemicals, or toxins | Do not rely on boiling: it does not make chemically contaminated water safe. Follow the advisory and use a safe alternative source. |
The CDC gives the detailed emergency-treatment directions in How to Make Water Safe in an Emergency (September 19, 2024), including: “Store the boiled water in clean, sanitized containers with tight covers.”
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Before the repair: a quick checklist
- Estimate the household supply using at least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days, and add water for specific household needs.
- Set aside suitable food-grade containers and sanitize them before filling.
- Fill and seal the containers while tap water is safe; label each with its purpose and storage date.
- Keep them cool and away from sunlight and chemicals; rotate household-filled water every six months.
- Keep the utility’s contact or advisory page handy so you can follow the exact instructions if conditions change.
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