Boil water notice lifted in Stuart but some ignored
Stuart, Fla- The boil water notice in Stuart has been lifted. The notice went into effect on Monday. Tests of the water came back negative for bacteria. All normal water use is approved without restrictions. But before the notice was lifted yesterday there was some confusion over what the notice meant.
The TCPalm reported that several businesses in downtown Stuart were still using the water even in the middle of the notice when the city was saying it was unsafe for consumption.
Several businesses claim that a site inspector told them that the water was safe, contradicting what the city was saying. One business told the TCPalm that they called the health inspector who told them to just run the water lines for five minutes and throw away any ice.
The city claimed that the information was wrong. The boil water notice was lifted yesterday evening, when residents were told they could resume their normal use of water without restrictions.
Here is nice post from the City of Melbourne regarding precautionary water notice.
Why are Precautionary Boil Water Notices issued?
Precautionary Boil Water Notices may be issued because of water system loss of power, loss of water pressure, a water main (pipe) break or other unforeseen emergency. Water pressure keeps pollutants from entering the underground pipes that bring drinking water to your house or business. When the pressure is lost, it is possible that contaminants could seep into the pipes.
The notice does not mean that the water is contaminated — it means it is possible for contaminants to enter the pipes and affect 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 using bottled water.
What if I accidentally drank tap water before I learned about the Precautionary Boil Water Notice?
If this happens, don’t panic. The chances of becoming ill are slim. See your doctor if you experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps.
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.
The City of Stuart has no directions that I can find. Perhaps they can take some time today to do something to protect the citizens and investigate the businesses that did not follow the order. These businesses need to be educated as to the importance of following thru with instructions from the city. The person that told them to ignore it needs to be spoken to. We deserve answers as to why he would put our health at risk.
City of Stuart – Emergency Notice – April 9, 2018 – https://t.co/dfWZYGQAqT
— City of Stuart (@CityofStuartFL) April 9, 2018
