1. What is a boil water advisory?
   A boil water advisory is a notice to customers required by the State of Florida, Department of Health to be issued by a water utility when there is even the slightest chance of water system contamination that could affect public health.



2. Why is an advisory issued?
   A boil water advisory is issued when there is a possibility that the water pressure in the water system dropped to such an extent that harmful bacteria or foreign matter could have entered the water system. This may be caused by one or more of these reasons:
   • A water main break, repair, or system maintenance
   • Damage to water lines or systems due to a storm or hurricane or other event
   • An electrical power outage to a water plant or facility
   
   
   
3. How will I be notified of an advisory?
   Sarasota County will notify customers if an advisory has been issued in their area. Notice may be by one or more of the following ways depending on the number of customers affected:
   • Informational door hanger
   • Media Press Release to TV and radio
   • A reverse 911 telephone call.

   If you are aware that the water has been turned off in your neighborhood (not just your house) then assume an advisory has been issued.




4. How does the Reverse 911 system work?
   Verizon provides published and unpublished telephone numbers for EMERGENCY USE ONLY. You will not receive a reverse 911 notification call if you have any of the following situations:
   • Your phone service is not provided by Verizon (including Verizon cellular service)
   • You reside or work in a complex (such as condominium, hotel, office building) where there is a master switch for an internal phone system
   • You only have a cellular phone, including all wireless carriers
   • You have a telephone answering system that does any of the following:
     • Does not record messages that have a pause in the greeting
     • Does not record messages that asks the caller to press any key to hear the important message
     • Does not record automated messages
     • Does not record messages from unknown callers or toll free numbers
     
     
     
5. What’s the proper way to disinfect my water so that it is safe to drink?
   The preferred method is boiling. Boiling water kills harmful bacteria and parasites. Freezing does not disinfect water. Bring water to a full rolling boil for at least one minute. Allow water to cool to room temperature before use except when needed for cooking purposes. Adding approximately eight drops or about ¼ teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water will also disinfect water.



6. Can I wash my hands, do laundry, shave, shower/bathe in the water without disinfection?
   Water does not need to be disinfected to be used for the following:
   • Washing hands
   • Laundry
   • Bathing
   • Showering
   • Shaving
   • Watering plants or lawns

   In any case, care should be taken not to swallow or allow water in eyes, nose, or mouth. Children and disabled individuals or those with suppressed immune systems should be supervised to ensure water is not ingested. Though the risk of illness is minimal those individuals who have recent surgical wounds, are immuno-suppressed, or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled water for cleansing until the advisory is lifted.




7. What uses do I need to disinfect the water?
   Disinfected/boiled water should be used for the following allowing water to cool before use:
   • Drinking
   • Washing dishes, cooking surfaces, raw foods, or rinsing food
   • Drinking water for pets
   • Washing your hands before eating
   • Brushing your teeth
   • Preparing other drinks that need water such as tea, coffee, juices, baby formula, etc.
   • Making ice
   • Any use where the water will be ingested internally
   
   
   
8. I drank the water before I knew about the advisory. What should I do?
   Even if someone has consumed potentially contaminated water from a public water system before they were aware of the boil water advisory, the likelihood of becoming ill is very low. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting with or without fever, or abdominal cramps should seek medical care.



9. When will I know my water is safe again?
   Most boil water advisories are issued until bacteria testing show that it is safe to drink the water. During this time, the county collects water samples in the affected area for two consecutive days and analyzes them for the presence of bacteria. Once the county has completed required bacteriological testing and the test results indicate no presence of harmful bacteria, the advisory will be cancelled by door hanger, media press release to radio and TV, and/or reverse 911 telephone call.



10. I was not home, so I do not know if I was without water service. What do I do?
    In most cases, the county knows which homes were affected and directly notified those customers. If you are unsure and did not receive a notice then we recommend you follow the advisory guidelines. It may also be helpful to check with a neighbor to see if they received a notice or know if they were included. You can also contact Utilities Customer Service at 941-861-6790 to verify which addresses were affected.



11. How do I update my contact information?
    • You may visit the reverse 911 system CodeRED Web site utilized by Sarasota County Utilities to update your contact information in the reverse 911 system. Go to: www.scgov.net, type keyword “CodeRED” in the search field, and then click on “CodeRED Information/Registration” navigation button at the Sarasota County Utilities home page.
    • You may visit Sarasota County Utilities home page to update your contact information for your sewer and/or water account. Click on “Update Utility Account Contact Information” navigation button at the Sarasota County Utilities home page.
    • You may also update your contact information with Sarasota County Utilities by e-mail at utilitybill@scgov.net or by calling 941-861-6790.

en Espanol (Spanish): 941-861-6734

Utilities Call Center: 941-861-6790

TTY/TDD: 941-861-0620

Fax: 941-861-0603  or  941-861-6780