Boil water notice issued for Pinellas County Utilities southern barrier island customers
UPDATE: As of Monday, Oct. 14, the boil water notice has been LIFTED for Pinellas County Utilities customers from John’s Pass to Tierra Verde and for St. Petersburg, South Pasadena, and Lealman. The Florida Department of Health recommends allowing the water to run for five minutes at each tap to flush the lines with safe water. Remember to include misters, drinking fountains, ice makers (discard the first binful), soda machines.
The following areas remain under a boil water notice as of Monday, Oct. 14: City of Gulfport.
Pinellas County Utilities has issued a boil water notice as of Thursday, Oct. 10, starting at 6 p.m., for all southern barrier island customers from John’s Pass to Tierra Verde due to Hurricane Milton impacting water supply to the Tampa Bay area.
Water pressure to the southern barrier islands will be reduced until the system can be restored. If water pressure continues to drop, water service to barrier islands from Sand Key to John’s Pass will be impacted as well.
Residents should either use bottled water or boil tap water before using it for cooking, drinking or personal hygiene like brushing your teeth.
Take the following steps for tap water before using it for cooking, drinking or brushing your teeth:
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil for at least one minute to ensure bacteria, viruses or parasites are gone.
- If the water is cloudy, filter it through a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter before boiling.
- Water must be adequately cooled before it can be used for washing or brushing teeth. Store the boiled water in clean, covered containers.
If there is no way to boil water, impacted residents can add 1/8 teaspoon (eight drops or about 0.5 milliliters) of unscented, plain bleach per gallon of water, stir well and let stand for at least 30 minutes before using. This is less effective than boiling but will work if there is no way to boil water.
Pinellas County Utilities will conduct water quality testing until the water returns to safe drinking water standards. We will notify impacted residents when it is safe to resume regular water use.
Residents with questions should call the Utilities Customer Service at (727) 464-4000.