Boil water notice issued for Pinellas County Utilities southern barrier island customers

Boil water notice issued for Pinellas County Utilities southern barrier island customers

Pinellas County Utilities issued a boil water notice Friday, Sept. 27, for all southern barrier island customers from John's Pass to Fort De Soto Park due to severe impacts from Hurricane Helene. This specifically affects St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island and Tierra Verde customers.

These communities remain under the County's evacuation order, but the order has been rescinded for all mobile homes and other Zone A residents. All of the barrier islands remain under the evacuation order at this time.

Residents are advised to use bottled water or boil tap water before you use it for cooking, drinking or personal hygiene.

Take the following steps to disinfect your tap water:

• Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil for at least one minute to ensure bacteria, viruses or parasites are gone.
• If the water is cloudy, filter it through a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter before boiling.
• Water must be adequately cooled before it can be used for washing or brushing teeth. Store the boiled water in clean, covered containers.

If there is no way to boil water, impacted residents can add 1/8 teaspoon (eight drops or about 0.5 milliliters) of unscented bleach per gallon of water, stir well and let stand for at least 30 minutes before using. This is less effective than boiling but will work if there is no way to boil water.

Pinellas County Utilities will conduct water quality testing until the water returns to safe drinking water standards. We will notify impacted residents when it is safe to resume regular water use.

Residents with questions should call the Utilities Customer Service at (727) 464-4000.