Guides
Boil water advisory Puerto Rico: what to do at home
During a boil water advisory Puerto Rico residents and visitors should not drink tap water unless it is boiled. Bring it to a rolling boil for 1 minute, or use bottled water, for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, ice and baby formula. Follow the advisory until the water authority (AAA) or health officials say the water is safe. If you get diarrhea or fever, the doctor can see you by video.
Is it an emergency? Call 911.
Is this an emergency?
This is not an emergency service. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- Bloody diarrhea, or high fever with diarrhea
- Signs of dehydration: barely urinating, very dry mouth, dizziness when standing
- A baby or young child with vomiting or diarrhea who cannot keep fluids down, or is very sleepy
- Fever, muscle pain or red eyes after contact with floodwater
Help lines
Boil water advisory in Puerto Rico: what it means
A boil water advisory is an official notice that tap water may be contaminated with germs, for example after a main break, a service outage, low pressure or a storm. In Puerto Rico, the Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (AAA) posts its announcements on its website and social media.
Always check the current advisory with the official source: the AAA website (opens in a new tab) or its customer service line at 787-620-2482. This guide explains what to do; it does not announce advisories.
After a hurricane, see also health after a hurricane.
How to boil water for drinking
The CDC and EPA recommend:
- If the water is cloudy, filter it first through a clean cloth or coffee filter, or let it settle and draw off the clear water.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil for 1 minute.
- Let it cool and store it in clean containers with tight covers.
- If it tastes flat, pour it between containers or add a pinch of salt per quart or liter.
If you cannot boil: unscented bleach
With no power or gas, the EPA explains you can disinfect clear water with regular unscented household bleach: 8 drops of 6% bleach per gallon (or 6 drops of 8.25% bleach). Stir and wait 30 minutes; it should have a slight chlorine smell. If the water is cloudy or very cold, use double.
Use only unscented bleach and never mix it with other cleaners. Bottled water is still the first choice.
What to use boiled or bottled water for
According to the CDC, during the advisory use boiled or bottled water for:
- Drinking, cooking and preparing food
- Brushing your teeth
- Making ice (do not use ice or water from a refrigerator connected to the water line)
- Preparing baby formula
- Giving water to pets
Babies and formula
The CDC says ready-to-feed formula is the safest option because it needs no water. If you use powdered formula, mix it with bottled water until officials say tap water is safe, or with boiled water if you have no bottled water.
For bathing a baby, the CDC suggests a sponge bath so the baby does not swallow water.
Showering, dishes and handwashing
What the CDC recommends:
- Showering: you can shower, but do not swallow any water.
- Washing dishes by hand: wash and rinse, then soak at least 1 minute in water with 1 teaspoon of unscented bleach per gallon, and let air dry.
- Dishwasher: fine if the final rinse reaches at least 150 °F (66 °C).
- Handwashing: in many cases you can use tap water and soap; follow the advisory.
If you get sick: how we help by video
Drinking contaminated water can cause diarrhea, vomiting and belly pain. If you have no emergency signs, you can see Dr. Diana Nieves Castro by video, a Puerto Rico–licensed general practice physician with several years of emergency-department experience. We evaluate, diagnose and treat; if needed, we give you a lab order for a lab near you. If appropriate, the doctor prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy. See how non-emergency urgent care by video works.
See stomach bug in adults and diarrhea and vomiting in children. If you were in floodwater and get a fever, read about leptospirosis. We see children of all ages with a parent or legal guardian on camera.
A doctor visit costs US$79, the same price for every age, with a full refund if the visit can't take place. Book a visit.
When to go to the ER
For your safety, go to the emergency room or call 911 if you notice:
- Bloody diarrhea, or high fever with diarrhea
- Signs of dehydration: barely urinating, very dry mouth, dizziness when standing
- A baby or young child with vomiting or diarrhea who cannot keep fluids down, or is very sleepy
- Fever, muscle pain or red eyes after contact with floodwater
How we care for you
We evaluate, diagnose and treat; if needed, we give you a lab order for a lab near you.
We see adults and children of all ages. Patients under 21: a parent with patria potestad (parental authority) or a legal guardian is on camera for the whole visit and shows photo ID.
Real-time video visit. We send you a secure video link. It works on your phone, tablet or computer.
If appropriate, the doctor prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy. We do not prescribe controlled substances.
You must be physically in Puerto Rico during the visit (visitors, tourists and cruise passengers are welcome).
In an emergency, call 911.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I boil water?
Can I shower during a boil water advisory?
Is tap water safe to drink in Puerto Rico?
Where can I check for a boil water notice where I am staying?
About this page
Author: The Health Initiative
Medical care provided by Dr. Diana Nieves Castro, MD (PR license 24027)
Disclosure: Founding Executive Director of The Health Initiative
Published: 2026-10-02 · Updated: 2026-10-02
Sources (5)
- Drinking water advisories: an overview (CDC) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-02)
- Making water safe in an emergency (CDC) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-02)
- Emergency disinfection of drinking water (EPA) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-02)
- How to prepare and store powdered infant formula during an emergency (CDC) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-02)
- Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (AAA, en español) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-02)