St. Louis Water Advisory: What Happened & How to Stay Safe

Advisory Issued: June 19, 2025
Advisory Lifted: June 20, 2025 

Officials issued a precautionary boil water advisory for parts of South St. Louis on June 19. It came after a significant water main break caused low pressure in several neighborhoods. While no harmful contaminants were found, the City took swift action to ensure public safety.

If you're a resident of The Hill, Southwest Garden, or North Hampton, here's what you need to know—and how to protect yourself and your family when water advisories strike.

What Happened

A 20-inch water main broke near Kingshighway and Arsenal, resulting in a drop in water pressure across surrounding areas. When pressure falls too low, there’s a higher risk of bacteria entering the pipes—even if contamination hasn’t occurred. That’s why a boil water advisory was issued purely as a precautionary measure.

Affected areas included:

• The Hill
• Southwest Garden
• North Hampton

The advisory lasted for less than 24 hours and was lifted shortly after midnight on June 20, following negative lab results for bacterial contamination.

What Is a Boil Water Advisory?

A boil water advisory means the water may be unsafe to drink or use for food-related purposes unless it’s properly disinfected. It's a proactive safety measure—not a sign that the water is confirmed to be dangerous.

Boil advisories are issued when:

• Pressure drops below 20 psi
• A water main breaks
• Routine water testing is inconclusive or pending

What You Should Do During an Advisory

If you're ever under a boil water advisory, take these steps until it's officially lifted:

Boil Your Tap Water for 3 Minutes

Let it reach a rolling boil, then cool before use. This kills bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.

Use Boiled or Bottled Water For:

• Drinking
• Brushing teeth
• Cooking or washing food
• Making ice
• Washing fruits and vegetables
• Preparing baby formula

Bathing & Cleaning:

• Safe for bathing, as long as you avoid swallowing the water
• Supervise young children to prevent them from putting water in their mouths
• Laundry and dishwashing (with hot water) are generally fine

How Filtration Can Protect You—Even During Emergencies

While boiling water is effective in the short term, investing in a reliable filtration system offers long-term peace of mind—especially for families or people with health concerns.

Install a Certified Water Filtration System

The PRO+AQUA Whole House Well Water Filter System is designed to remove heavy metals, sediment, and chemical contaminants from well water, providing cleaner water throughout your home. 

During boil advisories, it adds a critical layer of defense by reducing harmful impurities before they reach your taps.

Consider Reverse Osmosis (RO)

The PRO+AQUA 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System eliminates up to 99% of contaminants including bacteria, viruses, and dissolved solids, making it one of the safest solutions for drinking water. 

In a boil advisory, it ensures your family has a reliable source of purified water without needing to boil.

Change Your Filters Regularly

The PRO+AQUA Whole House Filter Replacement Set delivers high-capacity filtration to eliminate iron, sulfur, manganese, and sediment—common contaminants in private wells. 

During water advisories, it helps reduce exposure risks by treating water at the point of entry before it circulates through your home.

 

When Was the Advisory Lifted?

The City lifted the advisory just after 12:15 AM on June 20, after all test samples came back clean. If you’re unsure, you can verify updates at stlouis-mo.gov or by signing up for emergency alerts.

How to Stay Informed in the Future

Emergencies can happen at any time. Be prepared with these tools:

• Sign up for NotifySTL alerts to get texts or calls during emergencies
• Bookmark the City’s Emergency Management page
• Follow local news stations and radio for real-time updates

Tips to Prevent Water Safety Worries Long-Term

• Keep at least one gallon of bottled water per person stored at home
• Consider a whole-house water filter if your home has aging pipes or water discoloration
• Teach kids and elderly family members what to do during boil advisories
• Watch for changes in taste, smell, or color—these can signal a need for filtration or city reporting

Need Help or Have Questions?

Contact the St. Louis Water Division at (314) 771-2255 or your local utility provider. They can assist with:

• Reporting discolored water
• Water pressure issues
• Filter recommendations

Final Thoughts

Even though the June 19 advisory was lifted quickly and safely, it’s a good reminder to stay informed and prepared. Whether it’s keeping extra bottled water, installing a filtration system, or signing up for alerts, a little prevention goes a long way in keeping your family safe.

Stay safe. Stay prepared. And if your water needs a boost, filtration is always a smart solution.