Water supply interruption
What to do if your tap water stops or is unsafe in the UK — get water, stay hydrated and follow your water company's advice.
WHAT TO DO NOW
- 1Check your water company's website or social media for the cause and updates.
- 2Store water now if you have warning: fill clean containers, jugs and the bath (for flushing).
- 3Use bottled water for drinking, cooking and brushing teeth if a 'do not drink' or 'boil water' notice is issued.
- 4If a boil-water notice applies, boil tap water and let it cool before drinking.
- 5Your water company must provide bottled water for vulnerable customers during long interruptions — contact them.
- 6Save flushing water and reduce non-essential use.
What not to do
- Do not drink tap water under a 'do not drink' notice, even boiled, unless told it is safe.
- Do not assume water is safe until your water company confirms it.
- Do not waste stored drinking water on flushing — use bath/rain water for that.
What is it?
A water supply interruption is a temporary loss of, or restriction on, the mains water supply — from burst mains, contamination, drought measures or planned work.
What might happen?
No or low pressure at the tap, discoloured water, or a notice to boil or not drink the water. Bottled-water stations may be set up.
First 10 minutes
Fill clean containers if you still have supply. Check your water company for the cause. Reduce use.
First hour
Follow any boil-water or do-not-drink notice exactly. Collect bottled water if provided. Keep hydrated with safe water.
First 24 hours
Continue to follow official advice; the water company will confirm when supply and quality are restored. Flush pipes as advised afterwards.
If it continues for several days
For prolonged interruptions, use bottled-water collection points and the company's support for vulnerable customers on the Priority Services Register.
Children
Keep babies' feeds safe — use bottled or appropriately boiled water as advised; ask your water company/health visitor if unsure.
Older & vulnerable people
Register vulnerable people on the water company's Priority Services Register for bottled-water delivery.
Pets
Provide pets with safe (bottled or boiled) water too.
Communications
Keep your water company's number and check their website/social media for updates.
Official sources
This guidance is an editorial explanation of official UK advice. Always follow instructions from the authorities.
- GOV.UK — Prepare Published 2024-06-01
- NHS Published 2025-01-01