A boil water advisory from the city of Melbourne was rescinded just after 12 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, around 20 hours after E. coli bacteria was detected during a routine water sample and affecting 167,000 customers who get their water from the city.
Bacterialogical samples tested by the city on Friday showed the water was safe to drink, according to an announcement from city officials. The positive Aug. 28 result, detected at 1215 Sun Circle East in Melbourne, may have been due to a sampling error as it was isolated to a single location within the water system. However, bacterial contamination can occur when runoff, often following heavy rainfall, enters the drinking water source.
Positive results may occur due to a sampling error, but bacterial contamination can occur when runoff, often following heavy rainfall, enters the drinking water source.
Who was affected by Melbourne boil water notice?
Anyone whose water comes from the City of Melbourne’s system is being asked to boil water for the time being. Those affected include:
How long should I boil my water after E. coli sample in Melbourne?
Use the following precautions: Before using tap water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth or making ice, it should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute.
According to the Florida Department of Health, showering and bathing during a boil water advisory if no water is swallowed is safe. Those with weakened immune systems or open wounds should take extra care by covering wounds or opting for sponge baths using boiled water. Young children should be closely supervised during bathing to prevent accidental ingestion of water.
Tyler Vazquez is the Brevard County Watchdog Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Vazquez at 321-480-0854 or tvazquez@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @tyler_vazquez.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Boil water advisory rescinded for 167,000 Melbourne customers: Here’s what to know
Reporting by Tyler Vazquez, Florida Today / Florida Today
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