Preparing for a water supply problem or boil water notice
What matters most in a water supply problem or boil water notice, what official guidance in the UK says, and long-life food that suits it.
In a water supply problem or boil water notice, the things that matter most are drinking water, water for pets, hand sanitiser, wet wipes. Under a UK boil water notice, boil water, let it cool, keep it in the fridge and use within 24 hours.1
What matters most
- Drinking water Essential
3 litres per person per day for drinking is the commonly recommended amount. - Water for pets Essential
An estimate based on each pet's species and size. - Hand sanitiser
For when running water isn't available. - Wet wipes
Useful for cleaning when water is limited. - Toilet roll and bathroom products
Toilet roll, bin bags and other bathroom basics. - Personal hygiene supplies
Toothpaste, soap, period products and anything else your household uses daily.
What official guidance in the UK says
- Under a UK boil water notice, boil water, let it cool, keep it in the fridge and use within 24 hours.1
- Showering and bathing are fine during a boil notice, as long as the water stays out of your mouth.1
- Your water company issues boil water notices for mains supplies; for private supplies it's the local authority.1
Water and food for a few days
For two adults, SupKit's figures for 3 days are:
| 3 days | |
|---|---|
| Drinking water | 18 L |
| Food energy | 13,500 calories |
Long-life food that suits a water supply problem or boil water notice
Each of these keeps without a fridge:
- Tinned chilli
- Tinned soup
- Baked beans
- Microwave rice pouch
- Tinned tuna
- Crackers
- Peanut butter
- Dried fruit and nuts
- Cereal bars
- Tinned fruit
Allergies, dietary needs and children
Plan around everyone at home: allergies, intolerances and diets come first, and familiar food matters most for children. Recipes vary between brands, so always read the label of the product you buy.
| Food | Typical allergens | Typically suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Tinned chilli | varies by recipe | check the label |
| Tinned soup | varies by recipe | vegetarian |
| Baked beans | none of the main allergens in its main ingredient | vegan |
| Microwave rice pouch 250g | none of the main allergens in its main ingredient | vegan |
| Tinned tuna | fish | check the label |
| Crackers | cereals containing gluten | vegan |
| Peanut butter | peanuts | vegan, gluten free |
| Dried fruit and nuts | tree nuts | vegan, gluten free |
| Cereal bars | varies by recipe | vegetarian |
| Tinned fruit | none of the main allergens in its main ingredient | vegan, gluten free |
Typical allergens and diets are SupKit's guide to the main ingredient, not a product's label.
- UK food law names 14 major allergens, including cereals containing gluten, milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, tree nuts, soya, sesame, celery, mustard and sulphites.2
- On pre-packed food in the UK, these allergens must be emphasised in the ingredients list, for example in bold.2
- 'May contain' warnings aren't a legal requirement, so a missing warning doesn't guarantee a food is free of an allergen.2
Young children
Questions
What do I need for a water supply problem or boil water notice?
Drinking water, Water for pets, Hand sanitiser, Wet wipes, Toilet roll and bathroom products, Personal hygiene supplies.
Sources
- Receiving a Boil Water Notice, Drinking Water Inspectorate. Checked 28 October 2026. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
- Food allergy and intolerance advice for consumers, Food Standards Agency (GOV.UK). Checked 28 October 2026. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
- Foods to avoid giving babies and young children, NHS. Checked 28 October 2026.
We summarise official guidance in our own words. Always follow advice from your local authorities.
