Boil Water Advisory Issued For Parts Of Polk County: Hurricane Irma

LAKELAND, FL — A Department of Health-required boil water notice was issued by Polk County utilities because of a drop in water pressure Monday. (Subscribe to Lakeland Patch for all Irma-related news.)

This notice applies to 4,800 customers located in subdivisions and places of business near Spirit Lake Road from US Highway 17 to Recker Highway in the Central Region Public Water System, county officials said.

Affected residents are advised to drink bottled water and/or boil water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before drinking or using for cooking, making ice or brushing teeth.

For areas without power—which is 80 percent of Polk County—residents can disinfect tap water by adding 8 drops—about 1/8 teaspoon—of plain unscented household bleach per gallon of water and allow the water to stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy, repeat the procedure.

Residents should use a container that has a cap or cover for disinfecting and storing water used for drinking to prevent contamination. Disinfected water can be used for bathing, shaving, irrigation and laundry. Officials say residents should observe children and disabled individuals while bathing to make sure no water is ingested.

See Also:

• Hurricane Irma: Thousands Without Power In Polk County (UPDATES)
  
• Hurricane Irma: 3 PM MONDAY UPDATE; Need-To-Know Facts
  
• Deputy, Paramedic Trapped When Live Power Lines Fall On Patrol Car

Watch: This Is How Hurricane Irma Stacks Up Against Other Florida Storms

This notice will remain in effect until ongoing water sampling analysis is completed. Polk County Utilities will issue notice rescinding this precautionary measure once satisfactory results have been confirmed, which is normally after 48 hours, officials said.

For questions or concerns regarding this notice, you may contact Customer Service at (863) 534-7351 or Steve Whidden, Water Treatment Manager (Interim), at (863) 271-0309.

Pixabay Photo