1. SAVE WATER AT HOME

Reducing daily use helps make the available water last longer during a drought:

• Repair any leaks in faucets, toilets, or pipes as soon as possible.
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or lathering your hands.
• Reuse rinse water (for example, from washing vegetables) to water plants.
• Run the washing machine and dishwasher only with full loads.
• Water your garden early in the morning or in the evening to reduce evaporation.

2. HOW TO MAKE WATER SAFE TO DRINK

If your water source is limited or its quality is uncertain, use one of these methods. None of them removes fuel, toxic chemicals, or radioactive materials; in those cases, use bottled water or another safe source.

• Boil: Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute (3 minutes above 6,500 feet elevation) and let it cool before use.
• Disinfect with chlorine: Add 8 drops (about 1/8 teaspoon) of unscented household bleach containing 5%–9% sodium hypochlorite per gallon of water. If the water is cloudy, double the amount. Mix well and wait at least 30 minutes before using.
• Filter: Use a filter labeled to remove parasites and follow the manufacturer’s instructions; many filters do not remove bacteria or viruses, so additional treatment may be needed.
• Solar disinfection: If no other option is available, fill clear plastic bottles with clear water and expose them to direct sunlight for 6 to 8 hours (or 2 days if cloudy).

3. STORE WATER SAFELY

• Use clean containers made of plastic, ceramic, or metal, with a small opening (5–8 cm) that closes tightly.
• Before use, wash and sanitize containers with a solution of 1 teaspoon of unscented bleach per liter of water; let it sit for 30 seconds, then pour it out.
• Never use containers that previously held toxic chemicals, such as pesticides or gasoline.
• Store water in a cool place, away from direct sunlight.
• Label the container with the treatment date and the words “drinking water.”

4. DURING A WATER EMERGENCY

If local officials issue an advisory that the water is not safe:

• Do not use tap water for drinking, cooking, washing dishes, bathing, or brushing your teeth unless it has been confirmed safe.
• Use bottled water or water you have boiled or disinfected yourself.
• To prepare infant formula, use bottled water or boiled water until tap water is confirmed safe; breastfeeding remains the safest option.

5. HYGIENE: WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN

Clean water is also essential for hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before preparing food or eating, and after using the bathroom, coughing, or touching dirty surfaces. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

6. LOCAL RESOURCES IN PUERTO RICO

When water service returns after an outage, follow these three steps:

1. It’s safe: Water from the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) complies with the Safe Drinking Water Act and is monitored daily by the Department of Health and the EPA.
2. Flush the line: When you first get water back, let it run on high for 5 minutes to flush the line.
3. Boil first: During the first 72 hours after service is restored, boil the water for 3 minutes before drinking it. After 72 hours, the water is safe from the faucet.
4. If you don’t have water at home, “Water Oasis” tank trucks certified by PRASA and the Department of Health comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act and are a reliable source of drinking water.