A disaster such as a flood or an earthquake may contaminate water when sewage systems are damaged or when there are breaks in the water lines.
Contaminated water can cause many illnesses.
When it is suspected that water supplies have been contaminated with sewage, there will be a public announcement to boil the water. If there is any chance of your water being contaminated, do not drink it or use it for food preparation or tooth brushing. Purified water can be prepared by anyone at home, or it can be purchased. Instructions are provided below on how to purify water at home. Canned drinks, such as juices, pop, or beer can be considered purified.