A boil water notice is now in effect for Rice University, as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), following a positive test for E. coli — a type of coliform bacteria —detected in Lovett Hall. While this result was limited to a single location, TCEQ requires a notification to be posted for the entire campus.

Please do not drink water from campus drinking fountains, including bottle fillers. Use bottled water or boiled water for drinking, brushing teeth, preparing food or baby formula, and making ice. Tap water is safe to use for handwashing and bathing, and toilets are fully operational across campus.

Support Measures in Place

• Bottled water will be available at all residential colleges for the duration of the notice. Please take only what you need so supplies remain available to everyone.
• Faculty and staff are encouraged to bring bottled water from home if possible.
• The housing and dining team has activated established emergency protocols to ensure all food preparation and service remain safe.

Health Information

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, most E. coli are harmless, but some strains can cause illness, including diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever.

If you are experiencing symptoms:

• Contact your primary care provider, or
• Students may call the Student Health Center at 713-348-4966 or schedule an appointment online.

Operations and Next Steps

Rice facilities teams are actively investigating the source of the issue and working to resolve it as quickly as possible. There is no timeline yet for lifting the notice, but we will provide updates as soon as they are available. Importantly, the underground well serving campus did not test positive for elevated bacteria levels.

For community members living off campus, city of Houston water is safe to drink.

Your safety is our top priority. We are committed to keeping you informed and appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to resolve this issue.

Boil Water Notice FAQ

What is happening?

A boil water notice is currently in effect for Rice University, as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The notice was issued after a routine test detected E. coli, a type of coliform bacteria, in a water sample taken from Lovett Hall.

Why was this issued?

The boil water notice is a precautionary safety requirement mandated by TCEQ whenever E. coli is detected in a system sample. It does not mean that everyone on campus has been exposed or that widespread contamination has occurred.

Where was the bacteria found?

The elevated bacteria level was found in a single test sample from Lovett Hall. The underground well serving the campus was tested twice and did not test positive for elevated bacteria levels.

Is the rest of campus affected?

Because this is part of the campus water system, safety protocols require a notice for the entire campus. Following TCEQ guidance, people on campus should follow the guidance below.

What should I do?

Do not use tap water for:

• Drinking
• Brushing teeth
• Preparing food or drinks
• Making ice
• Washing fruits or vegetables
• Preparing baby formula

What is tap water safe to use for?

Tap water may be used for:

• Handwashing (use soap and water; hand sanitizer is available in most buildings)
• Bathing or showering (avoid swallowing water)
• Flushing toilets
• Laundry and general cleaning

Safe alternatives:

• Use bottled water
• Use water that has been properly boiled

How do I boil water safely?

Bring water to a vigorous, rolling boil for at least two minutes, then let it cool before use. (Click here for step-by-step instructions.)

Will bottled water be available?

Yes. Bottled water is available at all residential colleges for residents. Additional water is available for campus use at the following locations (see links for campus map):

• Anderson-Clarke Center (Near Auditorium)
• Cambridge Office Building (Garage - G2 Golf Cart Parking)
• Fondren Library (Front Desk)
• Gibbs Recreation Center (Front Desk)
• Grad Bubble
• O’Connor Building for Engineering and Science (Loading Dock)
• Rice Memorial Student Center (Information Desk)
• Space Science and Technology Building (Loading Dock)

Please take only what you need so supplies remain available to everyone. Faculty and staff are encouraged to bring bottled water from home if possible.

Is dining on campus safe?

Yes. The Rice dining team has activated its emergency water safety protocols designed for situations like this, including safe food preparation and service procedures.

Are classes and campus operations continuing?

Yes. Rice will remain open and classes will continue as normal. Campus events may continue if event organizers provide safe drinking water.

Does this affect people who live off campus?

No. The city of Houston water supply is safe to drink. This notice applies only to Rice ’s campus system.

What are the potential health risks?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most E. coli bacteria are harmless, but some strains may cause:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever

What should I do if I feel sick?

Contact your primary care provider, or students may contact the Student Health Center at 713-348-4966 or make an appointment online.

What is Rice doing to fix the issue?

Facilities teams are actively investigating the source of the problem and working to resolve it as quickly as possible. There is currently no timeline for lifting the notice, but updates will be provided as soon as more information is available.

How will I receive updates?

Updates will be shared through:

• Email notices to the campus community
• Text alerts
• Emergency.rice.edu website

Is graduate housing (RVA/RGA) impacted?

No, RVA/RGA are not impacted at this time and the water is safe for all use.