In certain circumstances, an electrical power blackout can affect the municipal water supply.

What you need to do to get safe water

Safe water is needed for drinking, brushing teeth, washing fruit and vegetables, cooking and cleaning.

Some safe water choices

• Keep a supply of commercial bottled water at your home.
  
• Use another municipal water supply not affected by the electrical power blackout.
• Use water from a private well, which is run by a generator.
  

How to treat unsafe water, such as lake water, to destroy bacteria

• Water should be heated to a rolling boil for 1 minute, then cooled to drink. If using a gas barbecue to boil water, use it outdoors.
  
• If water cannot be boiled, then add household bleach (which is 4% to 6% chlorine) to your water source. This can be done by putting 1/4 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water. Shake the container and let it stand for 30 minutes.
  
• Or use camping water purification tablets. Follow the directions on the label.
  

For your baby

• Keep an extra supply of ready-to-use formula.
  
• Clean baby bottles with boiled or "safe" water before using (see instructions above).

Water quality is not the only health and safety issue when the power goes out. Other Power Out Considerations