Joining several surrounding cities and municipal districts, the city of Houston issued a boil water notice Feb. 17 as freezing temperatures and residents dripping taps have caused low water pressure across the region. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo added that residents in the region should assume they are under a boil water notice unless they are told otherwise by local leaders. Search for addresses in cities and utility districts under boil water notices in Harris County here. Residents who have running water should bring water to a rolling boil for at least two minutes before using for washing hands, bathing or washing the face.

View Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines below.

If the water is cloudy:

Filter it through a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter or allow it to settle.

Draw off the clear water.


Bring the clear water to a rolling boil for one minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for three minutes).

Let the boiled water cool.

Store the boiled water in clean, sanitized containers with tight covers.

If the water is clear:


Bring the clear water to a rolling boil for one minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for three minutes).

Let the boiled water cool.

Store the boiled water in clean, sanitized containers with tight covers.