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1. What is a Precautionary Boil Water Notice?

A Precautionary Boil Water Notice is a public notification issued by the City of Lake Mary advising customers to boil water before consuming it. A Precautionary Boil Water Notice is only issued after careful consideration by the City and the applicable regulatory agencies as a preventative measure to protect public health.

2. Why would the City issue a Precautionary Boil Water Notice?

Boil Water Notices may be issued because of water system loss of power, loss of water pressure, a water main (pipe) break or other unforeseen emergency. The notice does not mean that the water is contaminated, but it is possible for impurities to enter the pipes and affect drinking water. As a precaution, it is important to disinfect tap water before consuming it to kill any impurities or use bottled water.

3. How can I disinfect drinking water if a Precautionary Boil Water Notice is issued?

There are two simple and effective methods you can use to treat drinking water to remove impurities.

• Boiling: Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute.
• Disinfecting: Liquid chlorine bleach (unscented) can be used at a dose of 8 drops (1/8 teaspoon) per each gallon of water. Let stand for at least 30 minutes before use. If water is cloudy use 16 drops (1/4 teaspoon) per gallon of water.
• Use boiled or bottled water for drinking, food preparation, mixing baby formula, making ice, washing food, manual utensil and equipment washing, rinsing and sanitizing, brushing teeth or any other activity involving the consumption of water. Pets should also be given boiled or bottled water.
• Child care centers and schools should use only bottled or boiled water for mixing infant formula, hand washing and for mixing sanitizing solutions for diapering areas and surfaces such as tabletops and toys. Adult employees should use a hand sanitizer after washing hands with tap water and soap. Do not use drinking fountains.
• Retail food establishments must follow the guidance of the local Health Department.
• Other businesses and non-residential sites can help inform the public by posting notices at or disabling water fountains and ice machines during the Precautionary Boil Water Notice. If water is provided to visitors or employees, use commercially produced bottled water for drinking or beverage preparation.

4. Since this is a precautionary measure, will I get sick if I drink the water? What if I drank some water before I found out about the advisory?

Until tests results show the water is safe to drink, you should not drink the water without boiling it first. Although waterborne diseases are extremely rare, chances are if you are in good health, you will not get sick from drinking the water. The risk is higher for infants, some of the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems. They should not drink the water until it is deemed safe to drink. If you have specific medical concerns it is suggested that you seek advice from your health care provider.

5. Do I still need to boil my water if I have a filter system on my faucet or refrigerator?

Most home filters are designed to improve the taste and/or odor of you water, not remove bacteria. Check with the manufacturer for more information regarding your system. As a precaution you should boil your water or use commercially bottled water even if you have a filtering system.

6. Is it safe to still wash dishes, do laundry, and bathe?

The water is safe for washing dishes, but you should use hot, soapy water and rinse dishes in boiled water. You may add a tablespoon of bleach per gallon to the wash water. You may use a dishwasher if it has a sanitizing cycle. There are no restrictions for doing laundry. Water may be used for taking showers or baths, as long as care is taken not to swallow the water or allow the water to be ingested. Use only disinfected or boiled water for brushing your teeth. Wash hands with soap and boiled water, or soap with bottled water. If only tap water is available, it is best to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after you wash your hands.

7. How long will the Precautionary Boil Water Notice be in effect?

It will remain in effect until further notice from the City. This can be a minimum of two days while bacteriological tests are being conducted and repairs are being made to the system. The City will lift the Precautionary Boil Water Notice only after all laboratory tests confirm the water quality meets or exceeds all required drinking water standards.

8. How will I know when the Precautionary Boil water Notice has been lifted?

A rescission notice will be issued by the City of Lake Mary. Customers are encouraged to stay tuned to local radio and television stations for updates. The City will post information to its website and signboards will display that the Precautionary Boil Water Notice has been lifted.

9. Is there anything I must do after the Precautionary Boil Water Notice is lifted?

Flush the water out of your household pipes, water fountains, etc. prior to drinking or cooking with the water. Let cold water run through the pipes for a few minutes by opening several faucets throughout the house and outside faucets. If you have an automatic ice maker, allow it to make three batches of ice and then discard that ice. Any ice made during the notice should also be disposed of.