DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST!
BREVARD COUNTY * MELBOURNE, FLORIDA - E. coli is present in the City of Melbourne's water, and officials have issued a boil water notice for all Melbourne water customers.
All water customers served by the City of Melbourne are affected by this Boil Water Notice. This includes:
■ Indialantic
■ Indian Harbour Beach
■ Melbourne
■ Melbourne Beach
■ Melbourne Village
■ Palm Shores
■ Satellite Beach
■ Unincorporated Brevard South of Pineda Causeway (Customers who live in unincorporated Brevard County located south of Pineda Causeway and receive a water bill from the City of Melbourne. Suntree and Viera are served by the Cocoa water system - not Melbourne.)
■ West Melbourne is a wholesale customer of Melbourne.
City of Melbourne officials stated that E. coli bacteria were detected in one routine sample point at 1215 Sun Circle East, Melbourne, on August 28. These bacteria can cause illness and are particularly a concern for individuals with weakened immune systems.
"This positive E. coli sample could be due to a sampling error and was only found at one location in the water system," said a city spokesperson.
However, bacterial contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source (for example, following heavy rains). It can also happen due to a break in the distribution system (pipes) or a failure in the water treatment process.
What should I do? What does this mean?
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
*E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. *
The symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice from their healthcare providers about drinking this water.
What is being done?
Additional samples upstream and downstream of 1215 Sun Circle East, Melbourne, have been collected. We will inform you when tests show no bacteria are present and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem within 48-hours of this notification.
For more information, please contact the Water Production Division at 321-608-5700. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by bacteria and other disease-causing organisms are available on the EPA Ground Water and Drinking Water Website at https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water.
How long should water be boiled?
Vigorous boiling for at least one full minute is the safest and most effective method of disinfection. Fill a pot with cold water and start timing when steady streams of bubbles pop from the bottom of the pot. Water must be adequately cooled before it can be used for washing or brushing teeth. Store the boiled water in clean, covered containers. Using bottled water is also an option.
How does boiling water make it safe to drink?
Boiling water purifies it because disease-causing bacteria, viruses or parasites will be destroyed by the heat.
Should I use bottled water?
Water from an alternative water source is the best option during a boil water advisory. When bottled water is available, it is a good alternative to boiling water.
Can I wash my hands in tap water during the notice period?
Use tap water and soap for hand washing and basic hygiene, but if you are washing your hands to prepare food, use bottled or boiled water.
What about brushing teeth?
Use bottled or boiled water to brush teeth.
Can I take a shower?
Yes. Just be careful not to drink the water while you shower or bathe. Though the risk of illness is minimal, individuals who have recent surgical wounds, are immunosuppressed, or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled or boiled water for cleansing until the notice is lifted.
What about washing dishes?
Hand-washing dishes: Wash with hot soapy water, then use boiled water to rinse.
Dishwasher: If the hot water reaches at least 170 degrees or the dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle and includes a full dry cycle, this will be sufficient.
Can I wash food with tap water?
Fruits, vegetables and other foods should be washed with bottled or boiled water only.
Can I use tap water for making coffee, tea, lemonade, baby formula, frozen juice, or other beverages?
No. Water intended for drinking must be boiled before using it to make beverages, or use bottled water.
Does a water filter protect me?
Water filters in refrigerators and pitchers do not remove bacteria. For under-sink filters, read the manual. If in doubt, boil.
Is it safe to give water to pets?
Many pets, such as dogs, are susceptible to the same diseases as humans. Provide them with bottled or boiled water.
Can I use tap water to water my grass or garden?
Yes, but fruits and vegetables must be washed using boiled or bottled water before consumption.
When will the Boil Water Notice be lifted?
This Boil Water Notice will remain in effect while bacteriological tests are conducted to assure the safety of the water. The notice will be lifted (rescinded) only after the required testing proves the water is safe to drink.
How is the public notified?
The City of Melbourne will issue a CodeRED (reverse 911) emergency call out, along with providing information to local media and posts on the City's web site, Facebook and X.
The CodeRED system allows City emergency officials to notify those affected by an incident by their geographic area. Residents and businesses can sign up to receive telephone calls, cell phone calls, texts and/or e-mails. Only authorized officials have access to the CodeRED system. The company will not sell, trade, lease or loan any citizen-supplied information to third parties, so there are no security or privacy concerns.
The CodeRED database contains information obtained from public databases, including regional phone books. Those with unlisted numbers, cell phones, or with blocking devices will not receive these emergency calls unless they enroll. Additionally, power outages may affect cordless phones.
For more information about CodeRED and to sign up, visit www.melbourneflorida.org/codered