Precautionary Boil Water Notices (BWN) are issued when water pressure in a main drops below 20 psi, typically due to a water main break or scheduled maintenance.
What to do: If your area is affected by a Boil Water Notice, boil tap water at a rolling boil for at least one minute, or use bottled water for:
- Drinking
- Cooking
- Making ice
- Brushing teeth
- Washing dishes
Lee County Utilities (LCU) issues these notices in compliance with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) guidelines to ensure safe drinking water. The area remains under a BWN until bacteriological testing confirms the water is safe, which usually takes 48 to 72 hours.
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For updates, call our automated hotline at 239-533-8575. It is updated daily by 4:00p.m.
Press 1 for English or Press 2 for Spanish.
- Press 1 for current Boil Water Notices.
- Press 2 to check if a notice has been rescinded.
- Press 3 for questions or after-hours emergencies.
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What is a Boil Water Notice (BWN)?
A Boil Water Notice is issued when the pressure in the water system drops below 20 psi, often due to a water main break. Even if service is only interrupted for a short time, all affected customers must boil water as a precaution.
Boil water for at least 1 minute before using it for:
- Drinking
- Brushing teeth
- Making ice
- Washing hands before eating
- Washing dishes, cooking surfaces, or raw foods
- Preparing drinks (baby bottles, iced tea, juices, etc.)
How long will the Boil Water Notice last?
A BWN usually lasts 48 to 72 hours, but it can extend longer depending on the cause, the time needed to fix the issue, and lab results. Two consecutive days of clear tests are required before the notice is rescinded. If a break occurs late in the week, clearance may take additional days.
How do I boil water to make it safe?
Bring the water to a rolling boil for 1 minute, then let it cool before use. To avoid burns, plan ahead and cool boiled water for about 30 minutes. You can aerate water by pouring it between containers to improve taste. Alternatively, use bottled water.
What should I do with ice cubes or food prepared with water that wasn't boiled?
Discard ice cubes and avoid eating food prepared with unboiled water (if in doubt, throw it out). Boil water for at least 1 minute before using it.
Can I use a coffee maker without boiling water?
No, you should still boil water or use bottled water, as coffee makers do not reach high enough temperatures to kill bacteria.
Do filter systems make boiling unnecessary?
No, most filters improve taste but don't remove harmful bacteria. Check your system's manual or manufacturer. When in doubt, boil water or use bottled water.
Can I use devices like ice machines or soda dispensers?
No, avoid using any device connected to the water supply. Filters in these devices do not remove bacteria.
Can I rinse fruits or vegetables with unboiled water?
No, use boiled or bottled water for rinsing.
Can I hand-wash dishes with unboiled water?
It's recommended to use boiled or bottled water to wash dishes.
Can I use my dishwasher during a Boil Water Notice?
Only if your dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle, which reaches a high enough temperature to kill bacteria. If not, hand-wash with boiled or bottled water.
What should I do if I drank unboiled water?
A Boil Water Notice is a precaution. It does not mean harmful bacteria is in the water. Follow the guidelines until the notice is rescinded.
Do I need to boil water for my pets?
Yes, to be safe, provide boiled or bottled water for pets.
Can I do laundry?
Yes, it's safe to do laundry.
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