DOH-Escambia Reminds Residents of Boil Water Precautions After Storm

The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County is urging residents to follow boil water notice guidelines until they receive official confirmation from their water service provider that tap water is safe to use again. The advisory comes in the wake of a storm that may have compromised local water supplies.

Residents should boil water for at least one minute before drinking, cooking, making ice, or brushing teeth. Bottled water is also a safe alternative if available. The precautions help eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that may have entered the water system during the storm.

A current list of active boil water notices by service provider is available on the Florida Department of Health website at floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/drinking-water/boil-water-notices. Residents whose provider is not listed should continue taking precautions until they receive direct notification that the water is safe.

Other safety measures include allowing boiled water to cool before use, using boiled or bottled water to wash dishes and sanitize food-contact items, and providing boiled or bottled water to pets. DOH-Escambia is working with local water utilities to monitor water quality and lift notices as soon as conditions permit. For more information, contact the State Assistance Information Line at 1-800-342-3557.