A precautionary boil water advisory extended by Seminole County officials Monday was canceled Wednesday morning after officials determined the water samples were free of bacteria.
The advisory was originally issued after a water treatment plant servicing the southeast area of the county lost power Saturday.
The advisory affected residents serviced by the Southeast Regional Water Treatment Plant. It primarily included areas east of Lake Howell along Red Bug Lake Road from State Road 436 to Lockwood Boulevard, including Bertha and Slavia, maps released by county officials show.
The initial advisory was issued 6 a.m. Saturday when the plant had its power service interrupted, authorities said.
The plant’s power was restored shortly afterward and its distribution system was flushed, but officials started evaluating water samples for bacteria as a precaution.
Safety regulations mandate water samples must be completely free of bacteria for two consecutive days before authorities can lift a boil water advisory, county spokeswoman Andrea Wontor said in a statement.
Under a boil-water notice, residents should boil water they plan to use for drinking, cooking, brushing their teeth, washing dishes and making ice. Tap water should reach a rolling boil for at least one minute before use. Residents can also substitute bottled water for these purposes instead.
The CDC advises residents under boil water advisories should not use water from appliances directly connected to water lines, like refrigerator water or ice dispensers.
Residents seeking additional information can contact the Seminole County Environmental Services Department at 407-665-2110 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
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