Precautionary Boil Water Notices During Hurricanes, Tropical storms, or Unforeseen Emergencies

If during a hurricane, tropical storm or unforeseen emergency, our water system loses power and water pressure, we will issue a precautionary boil water notice (PBWN) to our customers.

Under a boil water notice, water used for consumption can be disinfected by any one of the following methods:

• Bringing the water to a rolling boil and allow it to boil continuously for 1 minute.
• Using a disinfecting treatment: If you cannot boil water, you should put 8 drops of common household bleach (unscented) which is about 1/8th teaspoon, into 1 gallon of tap water, then shake it, and allow it to stand for 30 minutes before drinking. If the water is cloudy, use 16 drops, about 1/4 teaspoon of bleach instead of 8, shake it, and let it stand for 30 minutes. There should be a slight chlorine odor. Use common household bleach that has 5% to 8% active ingredients. Use food grade containers.
• Using water purification tablets or iodine. These are products that many sports and camping stores sell. Make sure to follow the directions provided. You can also buy commercial bottled water for consumption and food preparation as an alternative. Consumption includes brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, and homemade ice. Tap water may be used for showering, baths, shaving and washing, so long as care is taken not to swallow or allow water in eyes or nose or mouth. Children and disabled individuals should have their bath supervised to ensure water is not ingested.
• The time spent bathing should be minimized. Though the risk of illness is minimal, individuals who have recent surgical wounds, are immunosuppressed, or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled or boiled water (that has cooled) for cleansing until the notice is lifted.
• Businesses and non-residential sites should take steps such as posting notices at or disabling water fountains and ice machines during the PBWN. If you provide water to visitors or employees, use commercially produced bottled water for drinking or beverage preparation (coffee).
• Food service operations have additional requirements from their regulatory agency.
• After the water system is repaired, and the pressure is restored in the pipes to your home or business, the precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect for one to several days while bacteria tests are conducted to assure the safety of the water. The notice will be lifted (rescinded) only after tests prove the water is safe to drink. It may be lifted in sections of the city/county as those areas’ pipes are cleared and the water deemed safe to drink. The media will be provided information updates, and you should listen for this important information on the radio, television, or other media sources. Flush your taps and dispose of ice made during the PBWN. The employees of The City of Bradenton WTP, your public water system, take great care in assuring that your water is safe to drink, and we appreciate your cooperation with the precautionary boil water notice to protect public health during this difficult time.
  
  

Please call us if you have questions or concerns: 941-727-6360.

The County Health Department can also assist you with answers to questions: 941-748-0747.