Direct answer: If Marietta, Cobb County, or your water provider issues a boil water advisory, use bottled water or boil tap water for one minute before drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth until officials announce the advisory is lifted. This article is general guidance — there is no current advisory as of the date below.
What a boil water advisory means
A boil water advisory is a precaution when the water system may contain harmful bacteria or other contaminants. Follow instructions from Cobb County, the City of Marietta, or your water utility — they will tell you when the advisory starts and ends.
Drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth
- Boil tap water for one full minute, then cool before use.
- Use bottled water for drinking and food prep if boiling is not practical.
- Do not use unboiled tap water for brushing teeth.
- Give pets boiled or bottled water unless your utility says otherwise.
Ice makers and refrigerator filters
- Discard ice made during the advisory.
- Turn off the ice maker until the advisory is lifted.
- Replace or sanitize filters per manufacturer guidance after the advisory ends.
Flushing fixtures after the advisory is lifted
- Run cold water from each tap for several minutes as directed by your utility.
- Flush toilets, run showers briefly, and discard the first batches of ice.
- Clean faucet aerators if sediment or discoloration appeared.
When to contact the city or water authority
Contact your water provider for official start/end times, flushing instructions, and health guidance. Do not rely on social media rumors — use announcements from Cobb County, Marietta, or your water utility.
When to call a plumber
Call a licensed plumber if you have persistent low pressure, ongoing discoloration after utility-directed flushing, fixture damage, or questions about whole-home filters and backflow devices. For general plumbing help in Marietta, see residential plumbing or contact us.