From the City of Apopka
The City of Apopka released the following statement this afternoon:
During recent construction activities in the Winding Meadows and Laurel Oaks area, Blue Ox, the contractor currently working in the neighborhood, inadvertently turned off a water valve.
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The City of Apopka’s Public Services Utility Maintenance Division and the Water Plant Division responded immediately to assess and address the issue.
Due to the temporary disruption in water service, a precautionary boil water advisory is being issued for all residents in Winding Meadows and Laurel Oaks. This advisory is a standard safety measure for water quality and public health. We will notify you once water testing has been completed and the advisory is lifted. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we work to maintain safe and reliable service.
Sincerely,
City of Apopka – Public Services Department
Precautionary Boil Water Advisory Information for the residents of: Winding Meadows and Laurel Oaks
Due to water main valve in your area being turned off, your water service has been interrupted. As a result of this outage, it is necessary to issue this precautionary boil water advisory.
Water pressure keeps unhealthy pollutants from entering the underground pipes that bring drinking water to your home or business. When the pressure is lost, contaminants can seep into the pipes. This might allow pathogens (disease-causing germs) into the water that can cause illness if one drinks it or prepares food or beverages with it. Therefore, as a precaution, we advise that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes be boiled.
Under a precautionary boil water advisory, water used for consumption can be disinfected by any one of the following methods:
- Bringing the water to a rolling boil and holding it there for one minute.
- Using a disinfecting chemical. If you cannot boil water, you should put eight drops of common household bleach which is about 1/8 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 sixteen 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 that has 5 to 6% active ingredients (this information is found on the product's label). Use food grade containers. Don't use bleach that has a perfume scent added.
- Using water purification tablets or iodine that many sports or camping stores sell. 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 your eyes, nose or mouth. Children and disabled individuals should have their bath supervised to insure water is not ingested. The time spent bathing should be minimized. 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.
Businesses and non-residential site should take steps such as posting notices at, or disabling, water fountains and ice machines during the Precautionary Boil Water Advisory. If you provide water to visitors or employees, use commercially produced bottled water for drinking or beverage preparation (coffee). Food service operations have additional requirements from their regulatory agency.
After the water system is repaired and the pressure is restored in the pipes to your home or business, the Precautionary Boil Water Advisory will remain in effect for approximately two to three days while bacteria tests are conducted to assure the safety of the water. The notice will be lifted (rescinded) only after tests prove the water is safe to drink.
The employees of the City of Apopka Public Services Department take great care in assuring that your water is safe to drink, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation with the Precautionary Boil Water Advisory to protect public health during this difficult time.
Please contact the Public Services Department Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM at 407-703-1731 if you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter.
