The City of Tampa automatically calls for a "precautionary boil water notice" whenever there's a loss of pressure in the underground pipes because contaminants can potentially seep into the water supply.
Here are tips on how to disinfect water from the city's fact sheet on what to do during a Boil Water Notice:
- Boil the water to a rolling boil and holding it there for one minute
- Using a disinfecting chemical. You should put eight drops of common household bleach (unscented), which is about 1/8th teaspoon into one gallon of tap water, then shake it, and allow it to stand for 30 minutes before drinking.
- Using water purification tablets, or iodine that many sports and camping stores sell.
- Or buy commercial bottled water to drink and prepare food.
In addition to drinking, the disinfected water should also be used for brushing your teeth, washing fruits and vegetables and making ice.
The tap water should not be swallowed or allowed in your eyes during showering or bathing. Anyone with open wounds or chronic illnesses should avoid bathing or use bottled or boiled water.
Access to the city's full fact sheet on Boil Water Notices is available here.
