What is a "boil water advisory"?

A "boil water advisory" is specifically a public health notice that advises residents to boil their water before using it for drinking, cooking, or even brushing teeth. This advisory is typically issued when there is a risk of contamination in the water supply, such as during a water main break, flooding, or detection of pathogens that could cause illness. Boiling water for at least one minute effectively kills most microorganisms, making it safe for consumption.

The other options pertain to related but distinct topics. For instance, the mention of only drinking bottled water does not encompass the boiling component, and a recommendation against showering with tap water, while potentially relevant to certain advisories, does not specifically capture the essence of a boil water advisory, which focuses primarily on boiling water for safe consumption. Similarly, guidelines for improving water filtration processes are preventative measures rather than immediate responses to water safety concerns.