Drinking Water Communication Resources

What to know

Download, use, and share the materials below about how to avoid getting sick from tap water and other drinking water.

Download, use, and share the materials below about how to avoid getting sick from tap water and other drinking water.

Fact sheet

Water treatment while hiking, camping, and traveling
Learn what treatment methods remove different types of germs from water.
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Social media

Use these sample messages and downloadable graphics to share information about safe water on social media.

Protect yourself at home

Keeping humidifiers clean

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Small humidifier releasing mist. Text overlay says, "Follow the manufacturer's instructions when using humidifiers to keep germs from growing and spreading."
Download this graphic and share it on social media with the message below.

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Message: Germs can live in humidifiers and spread through the air when you turn them on. Prevent germs from growing in your humidifier by emptying the water daily, allowing it to air dry, and disinfecting it according to your humidifier’s instructions: cdc.gov/drinking-water/prevention/preventing-waterborne-germs-at-home.html

Rinsing sinuses

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Person with their eyes closed putting a neti pot in their nostril. Text to the right of the image says, “Only use distilled or previously boiled (and cooled) water when rinsing sinuses.”
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Message: Some germs that grow in water pipes can make you sick if they go up your nose. To avoid getting sick, never use water straight from the tap to rinse your sinuses. Learn more about safely rinsing sinuses: cdc.gov/naegleria/prevention/sinus-rinsing.html

Flushing taps

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Running faucet in kitchen. Text overlay says, "Flush your water pipes if you have been away from home more than a week."
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Message: Germs can grow inside your pipes when there is no running water. Flush germs out by running the cold water for 2 minutes and then running the hot water until it feels hot. More tips for avoiding germs in water pipes: cdc.gov/drinking-water/prevention/preventing-waterborne-germs-at-home.html

Flushing water heaters

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Large water heater in a utility room. Text overlay says, "Flush your water heater according to the manufacturer's instructions to reduce the growth of germs."
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Message: Flushing your water heater can remove germs and extend its life. Manufacturers recommend doing it annually, if the water is discolored, before you move into a home, and after plumbing work. Follow the manufacturer's instructions or use a professional. cdc.gov/drinking-water/prevention/preventing-waterborne-germs-at-home.html

Hiking and camping

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Pot of boiling water over a campfire. Text overlay says, "Boiling for at least 1 minute is the best way to kills germs in water."
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Message: Always boil for at least 1 minute or filter and disinfect water from lakes, rivers, and streams before drinking or cooking with it. Learn how to make water safe: cdc.gov/drinking-water/prevention/water-treatment-hiking-camping-traveling.html

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Hiker looking surprised. Text overlay says, “Diarrhea can take your hike from super to pooper”
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Message: Don't let the runs ruin your camping or hiking trip! Avoid diarrhea by boiling or filtering and disinfecting water from lakes, rivers, and streams. Learn how to make water safe: cdc.gov/drinking-water/prevention/water-treatment-hiking-camping-traveling.html

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Hiker on a peak overlooking mountain ranges. Hiker lifts the lid of a kettle of water boiling on a portable stove, with pots and mugs nearby.
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Message: Boiling for at least 1 minute is the best way to kill germs in water. At elevations above 6,500 feet, boil water for 3 minutes to kill germs. Find more options for making water from streams, lakes, and rivers safe to drink: cdc.gov/drinking-water/prevention/water-treatment-hiking-camping-traveling.html

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Table with camping supplies on it, including a portable gas stove, water kettle, water bottle, matches, hiking boots, bowls, and utensils.
Download this graphic and share it on social media with the message below.

Message: Packing for your next camping trip? Don’t forget supplies to treat your water to kill germs. See what you need to make water safe to drink and cook with: cdc.gov/drinking-water/prevention/water-treatment-hiking-camping-traveling.html

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Hiker sitting next to a clear mountain lake and using a filter to treat water from the lake.
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Message: Even if lakes and streams look clean, germs that can make you sick might still be in the water. Avoid getting diarrhea by boiling or filtering and disinfecting water from natural bodies of water before drinking or cooking with it: cdc.gov/drinking-water/prevention/water-treatment-hiking-camping-traveling.html

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Pot of boiling water on a small, portable gas stove outside.
Download this graphic and share it on social media with the message below.

Message: Getting your water from a lake or stream while camping? Boiling water is the best way to kill germs that could make you sick. The next best option is to filter water and then disinfect the filtered water. Take these steps to avoid diarrhea: cdc.gov/drinking-water/prevention/water-treatment-hiking-camping-traveling.html#cdc_prevention_pre-prevention-steps-and-strategies

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Hikers pumping water from a stream into a filter. A tube from the filter moves filtered water into a reusable water bottle.
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Message: Going hiking or camping? Treat water from streams or lakes before drinking it and bury poop at least 200 feet away from water if there are no toilets. Learn more about keeping water safe on the trail: cdc.gov/drinking-water/prevention/water-treatment-hiking-camping-traveling.html

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Smiling hiker carrying a reusable water bottle
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Message: Camping and hiking are great ways to recharge. When planning your next outdoor adventure, make sure your water is safe to drink with these tips: cdc.gov/drinking-water/prevention/water-treatment-hiking-camping-traveling.html

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Hiker holding a water filter in a mountain stream in one hand and drinking out of a water bottle with the other hand.
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Message: DYK? The best ways to remove parasites that cause diarrhea—like Giardia & Cryptosporidium—from water is to boil or filter it. Chemicals like iodine or chlorine often don’t kill these germs. Learn how long to boil and what type of filter to use: cdc.gov/drinking-water/prevention/water-treatment-hiking-camping-traveling.html#cdc_prevention_pre-prevention-steps-and-strategies

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Water container with volume markings, water filter cartridge, and water disinfectant tablets on a wooden surface.
Download this graphic and share it on social media with the message below.

Message: DYK? Bacteria and viruses that cause diarrhea pass through most water filters. Kill these germs before drinking lake or stream water by boiling the water or filtering and disinfecting water with chemicals like iodine or chlorine. More safe water tips: cdc.gov/drinking-water/prevention/water-treatment-hiking-camping-traveling.html#cdc_prevention_pre-prevention-steps-and-strategies

Toolkits for health departments

Use these toolkits before, during, and after a drinking water advisory or an outbreak linked to drinking water.

Drinking Water Advisory Communication Toolkit
Guide to help water systems communicate with partners and the public about water advisories.
Waterborne Disease Outbreak Investigation Toolkit
The Toolkit can assist health departments conduct waterborne disease outbreak investigations

Resources for emergencies

Find more resources about safe water use during emergencies:

Communication Resources for Safe Water Use and Hygiene During Emergencies
Download, use, and share CDC materials about using water safely and avoiding germs during emergencies.
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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)