You're parched. You open the fridge, and there's a pitcher of cold, clear water from before the advisory. Can you drink it? Only if you boiled it first when it was fresh. If it's sitting there looking innocent, don't trust it. That water is a liar with a pretty face.
Better to boil what you need, then cool it in a clean, covered container. I keep a dedicated "boil-advisory pitcher" in the fridge. It's fancy, like a designated driver for my hydration.
The 'extra mile' for babies and pets
If you have a baby, a sick loved one, or a dog that licks everything anyway, add three minutes of rolling boil. Yes, three minutes total. I know. It feels excessive. But tiny immune systems are like old cars—they break down more easily.
My neighbor's cat once got diarrhea from tap water during a breach. The vet bill was higher than my car payment. Now she boils water for Mr. Whiskers for a full five minutes. He judges her from his throne, but he's hydrated.
