Why are Precautionary Boil Water Notices issued?

Precautionary Boil Water Notices may be issued because the water system loss of power, loss of water pressure, a water main (pipe) break or another unforeseen emergency. Water pressure keeps pollutants from entering the underground pipes that bring drinking water to your house or business. The notice does not mean that the water is contaminated, it means it is possible that contaminants seeped into the pipes and affected the drinking water. Until required bacteriological testing is completed, we recommend, as a precaution, boiling tap water before consuming it to kill any potential contaminants (or by using bottled water).

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1. What about businesses
2. Why are Precautionary Boil Water Notices issued?
3. Is Eastlake Woodlands or Hillsborough County affected?
4. How long should water be boiled?
5. What if I accidentally drank tap water before I learned about the Precautionary Boil Water Notice?
6. Should I use bottled water?
7. Can I wash my hands in tap water during the notice period?
8. Can I brush my teeth?
9. Can I take a shower?
10. Is it okay to bathe my toddler/child?
11. What about washing dishes?
12. Can I use tap water for making coffee, tea, lemonade, baby formula, frozen juice, or other beverages?
13. Can I use my ice maker during the notice?
14. Does a water filter or a water softener system protect me?
15. Should I take the same precautions for my pets?
16. Can I use tap water to water my grass or garden?
17. If the street next to my street is under a Precautionary Boil Water Notice, will the same precautions apply to me?
18. When will the Precautionary Boil Water Notice be lifted?
19. Why didn’t I hear about this on the news?
20. How is the public notified?