Precautionary boil water notice

The Sun 'n Lake Improvement District has announced a boil water notice for areas south of Vilabella, east of Catalina, west of Vilabella and north of Mercado.

If during a hurricane, or unforeseen crisis, the water system loses power and water pressure, a precautionary boil water notice is issued.

Affected residents and businesses should disinfect tap water to kill any bacteria or viruses that may have entered the water, by bringing the water to a rolling boil and holding it there for one minute or by using a disinfecting chemical.

If you cannot boil water, you should put eight drops of common household bleach, which is about 1/8th teaspoon, into one gallon of tap water, then shake it, and allow it to stand for 30 minutes before drinking.

If the water is cloudy, use 16 drops, about 1/4 teaspoon of bleach instead of eight, shake it, and let it stand for 30 minutes. There should be a slight chlorine odor. Use common household bleach that has 5 to 6 percent active ingredients. Use food grade containers. Don't use bleach that has perfume scents added

You can also buy commercial bottled water for consumption and food preparation.

Consumption includes brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, and homemade ice.

Tap water may be used for showering, baths, shaving and washing, so long as care is taken not to swallow or allow water in eyes or nose or mouth.

Businesses and non-residential sites should take steps such as posting notices at, or disabling water fountains and ice machines. Use commercially produced bottled water for drinking or beverage preparation. Food service operations have additional requirements from their regulatory agency.

After the water system is repaired, and the pressure is restored, the precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect for one to several days while bacteria tests are conducted. The notice will be lifted only after tests prove the water is safe to drink.

For information, call 863-382-2196.