Boil-water alert rescinded for Port Orange, surrounding areas

PORT ORANGE, Fla. — A boil-water alert has been rescinded in Port Orange and surrounding cities.

The alert was put in place after workers hit an 18-ince water main Monday afternoon.

Officials issued the alert for all of Port Orange, Daytona Beach Shores south of Thames Avenue, Wilbur-by-the-Sea and Ponce Inlet. The boil-water order also included Harbors Oaks and Allandale.

Port Orange officials conducted testing on Tuesday and finished just before 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Officials warned residents not to ingest the water.

Channel 9 watched Tuesday as restaurants catering to bigger than normal crowds because of Bike Week did their best to accommodate the customers.

"We figured it's easier and better to boil, and this way were not going to run out," said worker Phyllis Dessoie.

Workers doing construction struck the line near Nova Road and Herbert Street. The boil-water alert affected 70,000 businesses and homes, according to officials.

"I guess we are going to be doing this for about 48 hours," business owner Julie Mailki said. "We have to boil the water of everything we use."

Authorities said all 11 schools in Port Orange were affected by the water main break. School officials said they covered water fountains and brought in water for students.

"They are going to be bringing free water bottles to the school," student Madison Rutledge said.

Water in the school kitchens is always boiled so there were no issues with the school lunches, officials said.

Residents were strongly encouraged to bring cooking or drinking water to a rolling boil for one minute before use.

Water pressure was restored by Tuesday.

WFTV