View as a webpage  /  Share

September 30, 2022

Boil Water Notices in Place for Lee County

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Due to substantial storm impacts, Lee County is under a county-wide Boil Water Notice. This includes tap water and well water.  All water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth or washing dishes must be treated prior to be used. The Florida Department of Health wants to ensure residents know how to properly treat their water before use to avoid illness from contaminated water.

Make your Water Safe, Boil It

• Once the water reaches a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute.
• Boil tap water even if it is filtered.

If Unable to Boil, Disinfect It

If tap water is CLEAR:

• Use unscented bleach (does not contain added scent).
• Add 1/8 teaspoon (8 drops or about 0.75 milliliters) of unscented household liquid bleach to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water.
• Mix well and wait 30 minutes or more before drinking.

If tap water is CLOUDY:

• Filter water using clean cloth.
• Use unscented bleach (does not contain added scent).
• Add 1/8 teaspoon (8 drops or about 0.75 milliliters) of unscented household liquid bleach to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water. Mix well and wait 30 minutes.
• If the water remains cloudy, add an additional 1/8 teaspoon of bleach. Mix well and wait 30 minutes.
• If still cloudy after the second treatment, dispose of water and start the process over again, OR use bottled water.

Preparing and Cooking Food

Always use clean or bottled water to:

• Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating.
• Make drinks, such as coffee and tea.

Ice

Do not use ice from ice trays, ice dispensers, or ice makers. Use only commercially available ice until the Boil Water Notice has been lifted.

Bathing and Brushing Teeth

• Be careful not to swallow any water when bathing or showering.
• Brush teeth with boiled or bottled water.

For local status information and recovery resources, visit LeeGov.com/Storm and FloridaDisaster.org/info.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.