As Hurricane Milton looms off the west coast of Florida, Hillsborough County Water Resources is taking measures to ensure the stability of drinkable water and sewage systems for Tampa Bay residents. With anticipated wind and storm surge threatening potential disruptions, the county is keeping a vigilant watch on their utilities.
According to a recent announcement by Hillsborough County, there are no plans to preemptively shut down the drinking water system. However, residents should be prepared for the possibility of a water outage, which would trigger a mandatory Precautionary Boil Water Notice upon restoration of service—a notice that would remain in effect for at least 48 hours.
In efforts to maintain the wastewater system’s integrity, officials have decided to shut off wastewater pump stations located in flood-prone Zones A and B when significant rain and storm surges cause flooding. In a bid to minimize the strain on the system, residents are being asked to cut down on water use that produces wastewater, like showering or washing clothes, focusing instead on essential needs.
For emergency water supply preparations, the county recommends storing one gallon of water per person, per day, for at least seven days, including water for pets. Use clean, food-grade containers for storage to ensure safety. If boiling water, maintain a rolling boil for at least one minute to purify it. Alternatively, residents can treat water with unscented liquid chlorine bleach or use water purification tablets for convenience.
