Hillsborough County officials have issued a precautionary boil water notice for the Windemere drinking water system, affecting customers within the Lutz area. The Hillsborough County Water Resources Department (HCWRD) announced the advisory following an electrical issue at the water plant that caused a drop in water distribution system pressure below the mandated regulatory level, as reported on the County's website. Residents are being advised to boil all tap water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes, with a full rolling boil for one minute recommended by health officials.
An estimate provided by the HCWRD suggests that around 1,000 residential connections falling within the boundaries of this notice will need to heed these new requirements, given out of an abundance of caution. With the decrease in pressure, despite no present indication of contamination, the advice urges residents and businesses to boil water until the notice is officially rescinded. Running the tap until water runs clear is recommended before washing clothes, and residents should discard any ice from automatic ice makers or use bottled water as an alternative.
The issuance and eventual rescission of such notices are based on test results that confirm the water meets quality standards set forth by health authorities. According to Hillsborough County’s official announcement, these tests typically take 48 hours to complete, although this duration can vary. Customers in the impacted area can find a map and more details about the affected region on the County's website.
The County is reaching out to residents and businesses to inform them when the boil water notice has been lifted, utilizing the same methods by which it was issued. For additional information and updates, community members can contact the Hillsborough County Water Resources Department at (813) 307-1000.
