TITUSVILLE, Fla. — A massive boil water alert is affecting 21,000 families in Titusville, north of SR-50 Tuesday. The Titusville's Water Department says the water is safe to drink but, because they noticed a drop in water pressure on Monday, safety regulations require the boil water notices go out, causing headaches for people across the city.
Bottled water was being served left and right at Cafe Chocolat in Titusville. With water boiling in the kitchen and the ice machine unusable, the wait staff had to cope with one of the city's largest boil water alerts in more than 15 years.
"Having the extra work really slowed us down this morning, but we got there," a café employee told WFTV.
From government buildings to schools, drinking fountains and other sources of water were off-limits. Titusville's Water Department was performing maintenance work at the city's only treatment plant Monday when workers noticed the pressure drop.
"This is a rare incident for the city, but staff is working and we just want to let the customers know that don't be alarmed. This is precautionary and that all measures are being taken to keep them safe," a spokesperson for the water department said. "There is no evidence that there is anything wrong with the system or contamination."
Water normally flows through the system and stays clean, because pressure keeps clean water moving through. However, if there's a drop in pressure there's a chance contamination from outside sources at your house or anywhere else could flow back into the system, bringing bacteria with it.
Workers began testing the water quality immediately and the department director said the water appears to be safe, but state water standards require 48 hours of testing before the city can give the all clear. The city is hoping it will get the OK Wednesday morning.
Until then, officials are urging residents in the alert area north of Cheney Highway to boil tap water for a minute before using it to drink or even brush your teeth.
WFTV
