Key West Florida Weekly

Boil tap water in all the Keys


Take these steps to ensure that the water used in your home (or food service establishment) is safe:

  • Bring the water to a rolling boil and holding it there for one (1) minute.
  • Use a disinfecting chemical. If you cannot boil water, you should put 8 drops of common household bleach (about 1/8th teaspoon) into 1 gallon of tap water, then shake it and allow it to stand for 30 minutes before drinking. If the water is cloudy, use 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.
  • Use water purification tablets or iodine that many sports and camping stores sell.
  • Use purified water for cooking, drinking, and for pets.
  • 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 those with special needs should have their bath supervised to ensure that water is not ingested. The time spent bathing should be minimized. Though the risk of illness is minimal, individuals who have recent surgical wounds, have compromised immune systems, or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled or boiled water for cleansing until the notice is lifted.
  • Go to www.fkaa.com for more information on what a Boil Water Notice Means to you.

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