When is a Mandatory Boil Water Notice issued?

If a microbiological contaminant is known to actually exist in the water in an amount that exceeds the allowable maximum contaminant level for drinking water standards.

 When is a Precautionary Boil Water Notice issued?

If there is a loss of water pressure due to a water main (pipe) break, loss of power, other unforeseen emergency, or a planned repair or replacement. 

How will I know if a Boil Water Notice is issued for my home or business?

Typically, the neighborhoods or areas affected by a Boil Water Notice are identifiable and isolated. In these cases, notification is typically provided directly to the customers via door hangers for areas less than 300 homes.

If a larger area is affected (more than 300 homes/businesses), the City will issue a CodeRED emergency call. Additionally, the notice will be posted to the City’s website under the city news section, posted to the city’s official Twitter and Facebook pages, and distributed to local media outlets.

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How far in advance are Precautionary Boil Water Notices issued? 

If the Precautionary Boil Water Notice is being issued due to a construction project taking place in your area, you will be provided with the notice approximately 48-hours prior to its effective date. 

During an unforeseen occurrence (water main break, power outage, etc.), a Precautionary Boil Water Notice will be issued as soon as the situation is assessed, and city staff determines it is necessary to do so. 

Will the City provide bottled water if a Boil Water Notice is issued? 

Bottled water will not be provided when the customer is given advance notice of the Precautionary Boil Water Notice. Bottled water will be provided via distribution points for customers who have been placed under a Precautionary or Mandatory Boil Water Notice without advance notice, and when less than 300 homes/businesses are affected.

How long do Boil Water Notices Remain in effect?

Typically, Boil Water Notices remain in effect for a minimum of 48-hours or until the required bacteriological test results meet the requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), and the test samples have been submitted to the FDOH. 

How will I know when the Boil Water Notice is rescinded? 

The City will issue a rescission notice in the same manner it issued the Boil Water Notice.Notification is typically provided directly to the customers via door hangers. If a larger area is affected (more than 300 homes/businesses), the city will issue a CodeRED emergency call/email/text. Additionally, the rescission notice will be posted to the city’s website under the city news section, to the city’s official Twitter and Facebook pages, and distributed to local media outlets. 

How long should water be boiled?

Bring water to a full rolling boil for one minute then allow the water to cool before use. Because water may take 30 minutes to cool, plan ahead. Make up a batch of boiled water in advance so you will not be tempted to use it hot and risk scalds or burns. Boiled water may be used for drinking, cooking, and washing. The flat taste of boiled water can be improved by aeration: pouring it back and forth from one container to another. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or get water from another suitable source.  

If a Boil Water Notice is issued, can I still give tap water to my pet and use it to brush my teeth, wash food, make coffee, tea, lemonade, baby formula, frozen juice, or other beverages?

No, once a Boil Water Notice is issued for your area, tap water should be boiled prior to ingesting as instructed on the Notice. 

If a Boil Water Notice is issued, can I still use tap water to wash my hands and take a shower?

Yes, you may use tap water to shower and for hand washing with soap but if you are washing your hands to prepare food, use bottled or boiled water.

What about washing dishes?

Hand-washing dishes: Wash with hot soapy water, then use boiled water to rinse.
Dishwasher: If the hot water reaches at least 170 degrees or the dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle and includes a full dry cycle, this will be sufficient.

Can I use my ice maker during the notice?

Ice already in the freezer when the water pressure drops and before the Precautionary Boil Water Notice is issued is safe. Once a notice is issued, turn off your ice maker. When the notice is lifted, if no contamination has been found, then you do not need to flush your ice maker before using it.

Does a water filter protect me?

Water filters in refrigerators and pitchers do not remove bacteria. For under-sink filters, read the manual. If in doubt, boil before using.