← Help in Grant County

Told to boil water, or the water is off or unsafe

Use when there is a boil-water notice, the water is shut off or looks or smells wrong, or water may be unsafe after a flood or broken pipe.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.

1Make water safe to drink

During a boil-water notice, do not drink tap water until it has been boiled. This also goes for brushing teeth, making ice, baby formula and washing food.
Bring the water to a full rolling boil for 1 minute. Above 6,500 feet (like Pinos Altos), boil for 3 minutes. Let it cool.
Bottled water is safe to use.
Showering is OK. Don't swallow the water. Wash babies with a sponge.

2Report a problem or find out more

Town of Silver City - Utilities Department
Water/sewer service problems (daytime)
575-534-6365
City Hall Annex, 1211 N Hudson St, Silver City · Weekday business hours
Town of Silver City - Utilities Department
After-hours water emergency (via Central Dispatch)
575-388-8840
Silver City · 24/7
Grant County - TextMyGov alerts
Free text-message emergency alerts for Grant County
575-574-4607
Silver City · 24/7

3If they have no water at all

At the Gospel MissionCome inside the Mission at 111 S. Texas St. during open hours (weekdays, breakfast 8:30-9:30, lunch 12-1).
At the Gospel MissionShowers and laundry are at the Mission on weekdays, 9:30-11. Ask about drinking water.
If the water was shut off for an unpaid bill, use the guide "Got a utility shut-off notice".

4Feeling sick from the water

Upset stomach, throwing up and diarrhea can come from bad water. Drink safe water to stay hydrated.
Babies, older people and people who are very sick or can't keep water down need a doctor right away.
Hidalgo Medical Services
Call4Health: After-hours nurse advice line
855-742-3400
· After hours

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

Know a better way? Is something out of date?

If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.

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Print these steps · Find more places to get help · Hours and numbers change; please call ahead. Something wrong? Tell us
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.