Boil Water Notice Issued for Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay

For immediate release: Date: July 29, 2008
Contact: Robert Nelton • 561.493.6062 • rnelton@pbcwater.com

Due to a momentary loss of water pressure at the Lake Region Water Treatment Plant this afternoon, Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department advises residents of Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay to boil all water for consumption for the next 72 hours.

The Florida Department of Health recommends the following:

• Boil water before use, holding it at rolling boil for at least one
  minute before using it for drinking, washing, cooking, etc.; or
  
  
• Disinfect water by adding 8 drops (about 1/8 tsp - this would form a
  puddle about the size of a dime) of plain unscented household bleach (4 to 6%) per gallon of water, and then let it stand for 30 minutes.  If the water is cloudy after 30 minutes, repeat the procedure. Use a container that has a cap or cover for disinfecting and storing water to be used for drinking.  This will prevent contamination; or
  
  
• Use bottled water, especially for mixing baby formula.

Residents of those cities should contact their respective utility departments for further information.