Precautionary boil water notice

To residents on the west side of Memorial Drive in Sebring Ridge, Sebring, on the city of Avon Park Water System:

A six-inch pipe split caused water main break. As a precaution, the city advises that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth or washing dishes be boiled. You should disinfect your water as follows:

1. A rolling boil for one minute is sufficient.

2. As an alternative, bottled water may be used.

Chemical disinfection of drinking water during power outages: Where there is a loss of power and the boiling of water may not be possible, residents and businesses should disinfect their drinking water as follows:

Tap water can be disinfected by adding eight drops of unscented household bleach (4-6 percent active ingredients) to each gallon of water, then mixing the water and allowing it to stand for a minimum period of 30 minutes. Note: Cloudy water requires 16 drops of bleach and a 30 minute contact time. Also, other approved chemical disinfectants are available at stores that sell camping and hiking supplies.

The precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and bacteriological survey shows that water is safe to drink. If you have any questions call Public Works, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 863-452-4427. After hours or weekends: Avon Park Police Department at 863-453-6622.