The City of Tampa Water Department says it is no longer necessary for residents and businesses in its service area to follow the Precautionary Boil Water Notice.

Recent test results, according to the city's website, show the water is safe to consume.

A power failure at the David L. Tippin Water Treatment Facility Friday afternoon led to low pressure or loss of water for customers for approximately one hour.

The city, as a precautionary measure, then asked all customers to follow a boil water notice for approximately 48 hours so workers could complete tests that insure water quality.

Hillsborough County has also lifted the precautionary boil water notice issued for County water customers in the area to the east and northeast of Lake Magdalene.

The City's notice included 3,400 County customers in the Clair Mel area, and those immediately south of the Hillsborough River and west of 56th Street.

The County receives some of the water provided to customers in the Lake Magdalene area from the City through an interconnected pipeline.

In the Clair Mel and Herschel Heights areas, water customers pay their bills to Hillsborough County, but their water is provided by the City.

Water pressure keeps pollutants from entering the underground pipes that bring drinking water to homes and businesses.

When that pressure is lost, germs that cause illness can seep into the pipes.

As a precaution, it is important to use an alternate source of water or disinfect tap water to kill any bacteria or viruses that
may have entered the water.

The notice affects water used to brush teeth, wash fruits and vegetables, and make homemade ice.

Tap water may be used for showering, baths, shaving and washing, so long water is not swallowed or allowed in the eyes, nose or mouth.

To disinfect water, follow one of these steps:

  • Bring the water to a rolling boil and hold it there for one minute.
  • If you cannot boil water, use a disinfecting chemical. Put eight drops of common unscented
    household bleach into one gallon of tap water, then shake. Let it stand for 30 minutes.
  • Use water purification tablets, or iodine that many sports and camping stores sell.

Commercial bottled water for consumption and food preparation is an alternative.