HappyHealthy Newsletter: Water Safety

In the event of a water emergency, it is important to:

• stay hydrated by drinking bottled water or water that has been boiled for one minute.
• cook, wash fruits and vegetables, and brush teeth with bottled water or water that has been boiled.
• use tap water for bathing, handwashing, washing clothes, and flushing toilets.
• monitor updated information provided by local authorities through their social media outlets regarding the water situation as new information is available.

Importance of Hydration

• Stay hydrated by drinking bottled or boiled water after it has cooled.
• How to make water safe to drink:
  • Boil water for one minute. Water must be bubbling the entire time.
  • Start counting to 60 when the water comes to a rapid rolling boil. Let the water cool before drinking or storing it in a container.

• For additional fluid needs, and to stay hydrated, eat fruits and vegetables (canned, fresh, or frozen) and frozen fruit pops.
• Watch for signs of dehydration:
  • Sluggishness, dizziness, headache, and feelings of thirst.
  • If you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. If you experience any of these signals, make sure you drink bottled water immediately.

Storing Water for Drinking

• Store a minimum of one gallon of clean water per person per day for drinking and cooking.
• Clean food-grade plastic or glass containers are good for storing water. They need to be clean.
• Food-grade containers are store-bought plastic or glass containers that previously held food or beverages. Examples include 2-liter soda bottles and water, juice, and punch bottles.
• Make sure your container is cleaned and ready to store water before you need it. Wash the container with hot, soapy water. Rinse the soapy container well with plain water.
• Write “drinking water” on the container with the current date.
• Store tightly capped containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

• To learn more, visit HappyHealthy.MS and click on Tips and Videos.
  • How to: Choose Water
  • How to: Handwashing

Helpful Tips for Water Safety

• Frequently wash your hands with soap and tap water.
• Breastfeed or use ready-made baby formula. If you use water to make formula, use bottled water until officials say your water is safe to drink.
• Bathe with tap water, being careful no water gets in your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Watch children while they bathe to make sure they don’t drink the water.
• Brush your teeth with bottled water or water that has been boiled.
• Avoid soft drinks and coffee as they may cause dehydration.
• Minimize the amount of water you need by reducing activity and staying cool.
• Wash laundry as usual. All water temperatures are safe to use.
• Use bottled water or water that has been boiled for pets.
• Discard any ice made during the boil water notice.
• Wash fruits and vegetables in water that has been boiled for a minute and has cooled.
• Use disposable plates, cups, and utensils to reduce the need to wash dishes.

The City of Jackson posts boil water notices and updates on their website:

https://www.jacksonms.gov/boil-water-notices/

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) posts updates and locations for water distribution in the Jackson area. Details are on their website:

https://www.msema.org/jackson-water-crisis-2022

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This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Publication 3848 (POD-12-22)

By Drew Cole, Mississippi State University Extension Service.