There's a lot more to a boil water advisory than just "Boil your water." Here are some tips that can help you through:

• During a boil water advisory, use bottled water or disinfected water for drinking; making drinks, infant formula and ice cubes; tooth brushing; cooking and steaming food; and cleaning vegetables. Keep bottles of clean water next to the sink for these purposes.
  
• To disinfect water, bring it to a rolling boil for one minute to destroy disease-causing organisms. Water treatment devices, such as those built into taps or jugs, are not effective in removing many organisms.
  
• Boiled water can taste flat. Shaking air into water or adding a little salt can help the flavour.
  
• Water for washing dishes should be hot, but doesn't need to be boiled. A small amount of bleach can be added to rinse water for disinfecting.
  
• If you eat vegetables from your garden, make sure they are well-cooked before eating them.
  
• Adults and teenagers can take showers, if they don't swallow any water. Sponge baths are safer than showers for younger children.
  
• Tape plastic bags over taps and showerheads so you don't turn them on out of habit.