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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
Boil Water Advisory
Environmental Health
- 904-253-1280
- DCHD.Contact@flhealth.gov
-
Fax
904-253-2390 -
Mailing Address
921 N. Davis St.
Bldg. A, Suite 251
MC-45
Jacksonville, Florida 32209
Boil Water Advisory Information - English (34 KB PDF)
Boil Water Advisory Information - Spanish (33 KB PDF)
Boil Water Advisory Information - Creole (32 KB PDF)
Water in a hurricane-affected area may not be safe to drink. Listen to local announcements on water supply safety.
- Public water system: If the public water system lost pressure, a boil water notice will likely be issued for your area.
- Well water: If your well is in a flooded area, your water may contain disease-causing bacteria and may not be safe to drink.
DOH recommends one of the following:
- Boil water for at least 1 minute before using it for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes.
- Disinfect water by adding 8 drops (about 1/8 tsp – this would form a puddle about the size of a dime) of unscented household bleach per gallon of water, and then let it stand for 30 minutes.
- Use only bottled water, especially for mixing baby formula.
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.
Store water in clean, disinfected containers.
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.
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