Media Advisory: Oct. 21, 2021
DEP/DOH Joint Potable Water Update:
Midway Water System, Gulf Breeze, Florida
GULF BREEZE, Fla. – On Oct. 18, 2021, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) was notified by Midway Water System in Santa Rosa County that a private contractor plumbed a cross-connection from a residential sewage line to a municipal potable water line. In an abundance of caution, residents should utilize an alternative water supply, such as bottled water for potable use until testing confirms the water meets all drinking water standards.
Immediately upon discovery on Oct. 18, 2021, the city disconnected the cross-connection and initiated sampling throughout the distribution system. All bacteriological samples collected by the city to date from the distribution system have come back absent of coliform and E. Coli. At this time, sampling remains ongoing and the utility continues to chlorinate and flush the lines.
A boil water notice was previously issued by the utility. Please note that this is not effective in disinfecting all bacteriological parameters and is not the most protective measure.
DEP and DOH are committed to working together to ensure residents have access to safe drinking water and accurate, timely information regarding the status of their public water supply.
DEP, in coordination with Santa Rosa County Emergency Management, has set up a bottled water distribution station which will be operational from 8-11 p.m. this evening at:
Community Life Methodist Church
4115 Soundside Drive
Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
Additional availability will be announced as soon as possible.
“DEP is committed to keeping residents informed and identifying all responsible parties and holding them accountable for any violations of Florida’s drinking water rules,” said Northwest District Director Elizabeth Orr. “The department will continue to oversee efforts by the utility to ensure that safe drinking water is restored as quickly as possible.”
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