Tampa City Water Tests Clean; Boil Water Notice Lifted

Tampa FL

10 December, 2020

11:59 AM

Description

TAMPA, FL — The precautionary boil water notice issued earlier this week as a result of the water main break at the David L. Tippin Water Treatment Facility is no longer in effect in the service area which includes the city of Tampa as well as parts of unincorporated Hillsborough County. Two rounds of water quality testing have shown satisfactory results with no evidence of contamination. The water in the service area is now confirmed to be safe to drink. Businesses and residents that are reopening their facilities or using their water for the first time in several days will want to run their taps before using it for cooking or drinking. This will help to remove stagnant water from plumbing systems and bring in fresh water from water mains. The Tampa Water Department experienced a loss of water pressure when a third-party contractor hit a 36-inch pressurized transmission main coming from the David L. Tippin Water Treatment Facility on Monday at3:24 p.m. The damage resulted in the loss of 12 million gallons of water. Work crews were able to isolate the main and restore pressure throughout the system by 6:06 p.m. but a loss in water pressure can allow contaminants to enter the drinking water supply. In accordance with Florida Department of Health regulations, the Tampa Water Department issued a precautionary boil water notice to all the customers. The damaged transmission main was a 36-inch cast iron water main that had been installed in 1941. At the time of its original installation, it connected to the Palma Ceia Elevated tank and was the only transmission main supplying water to the Peninsula. The pipe was replaced late Tuesday evening. See related stories: Boil Water Notice In Effect Until 2nd Water Test Thursday MorningPrecautionary Boil Water Notice Issued For Tampa, Parts Of County