Boil Water Advisory – What To Do
Boil Water Advisory – Restaurant Guidance
Update July 11, 2025, 4:50 P.M. – First Water Test Results
The State has confirmed that there was no bacteria found in the first water tests from the samples submitted yesterday. They require a confirmatory sample which was sent this afternoon, and those test results are expected by about 4:30 P.M. tomorrow at which point a determination will be made about whether to lift the boil-water advisory. Until then, the advisory remains in effect.
Update July 11, 2025, 2:15 P.M.
A steady stream of traffic has continued all day today at the drive-through water pick-up at Public Works. About 90% of the cases of bottled water are gone – but we have more pallets coming this afternoon thanks to the generosity of C&S Wholesale Grocers and the hard work and thoughtfulness of our Public Works team who will stay late today to help people get the water they need. We will extend the water distribution operation at Keene Public Works until 6PM tonight. If you have not picked up your case of free bottled water or if you know of someone who cannot get there but needs it, please come by this afternoon or early evening.
*We do not have a delivery service for this water donation, so please consider helping a neighbor in need.
What an amazing community and City team we have. Thank you all for your generosity, patience, and community spirit!
(An update is expected this evening about the first water test results.)
Update July 10, 2025, 9:10 P.M.
We are pleased to let everyone know that C&S Wholesale Grocers will be providing 24-packs of bottled water Friday, July 11th – one per household impacted by the boil-water advisory. The water will be available at Public Works at 350 Marlboro Street from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. We thank C&S Wholesale Grocers for this very generous and thoughtful act to help when our community needs it most.
There is little time to get the word out. We’ll post this info everywhere we can, and hope that you will share it with your friends and neighbors so the many people impacted by this water emergency will be able to take advantage of this resource.
Update July 10, 2025, 11:40 A.M.
Water main break repairs are complete, and the system has been brought up to pressure. (Water Street remains closed.) A first round of water quality tests has been collected from around the city. This is a 24-hour test, and NH DES requires a second round of samples to confirm water quality after the initial test. Due to testing requirements, the boil-water advisory will remain in effect until at least midday Saturday.
The boil water advisory is precautionary, and consumption of water should not resume until the advisory is lifted. Not sure about washing hands? If you do not have access to bottled or boiled water, washing hands with ample soap and tap water, followed by thorough drying with a towel is an option.
If you experience signs of illness that you suspect may be related to water quality, please consult your physician.
This webpage will be updated as new information becomes available.
Update July 10, 2025, 8:45 A.M.
There is a temporary water service interruption on Water Street this morning from Grove Street to Main Street. Repairs are in progress. Properties on Water Street and in the vicinity of this location will have water service restored as soon as possible. The boil-water notice remains in effect for all of Keene as well as the North Swanzey Water Precinct.
A water main break has occurred on Water Street this evening (Wednesday, July 9th) and a boil-water notice is in effect.
Water pressure to properties across Keene may have been impacted due to the impact on the water supply. Water pressure is now returning, however, a boil-water notice is in effect at this time for all of Keene and the North Swanzey Water Precinct. This page will be updated when the boil-water notice is lifted, which is expected to take at least 36-48 hours. Updates will be provided on this page, on our social media pages, and to email subscribers.
Boil Water Advisory – What To Do
People are asking good questions about things like showering, washing hands, etc. Check out the CDC info about what to do, and focus on not consuming the water until the advisory is lifted. This boil-water advisory is in place out of an abundance of caution. As of the morning of July 10th, there is no evidence of contamination, but it will take at least 24 hours after water pressure is restored before reliable field testing can be conducted.
National Restaurant Association – What to do when a boil water advisory is issued
Restaurants are advised to refer to the information from the National Restaurant Association for steps to follow, cleaning best practices, and what to do when the advisory is lifted.
