Boil Water Notice Issued for Area Near Gulf Coast Medical Center - WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News Leader

PRECAUTIONARY BOIL WATER NOTICE

TO:  Businesses of the City of Panama City and in the area South of 23rd  Street, West

       of Jenks Avenue, North of Doctors Drive and including Gulf Coast Hospital

Due to a water line break at Jenks Avenue and Doctors Drive on Thursday, August 09, 2012 a loss of water pressure has been experienced due to the maintenance repairs. Therefore a precautionary boil water notice has been issued for this area.  You may experience discolored water approximately 24 hours after your water has been restored. 

Under a precautionary boil water notice, 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 (1) minute 

    •   Using a disinfecting chemical. If you cannot boil water, you should put eight (8) drops of common household

        bleach which is about 1/8th teaspoon, into one (1) gallon of tap water, then shake it, and allow it to stand for

        30 minutes before drinking.  If the water is cloudy, use sixteen (16) drops, about 1/4 teaspoon of bleach instead

        of 8, shake it, and let it stand for 30 minutes.  There should be a slight chlorine odor.  Use common household 

        bleach that has 5 to 6% active ingredients. Use food grade containers.  Don't use bleach that has perfume scents

        added 

• Using water purification tablets or iodine that many sports and 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 eyes or nose or mouth. Children and disabled individuals should have their bath supervised to ensure 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.

This "precautionary boil water notice" will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink.  The media will be provided information updates and you should watch for this important information from the newspaper, radio and/or from the television.