Boil Water Notice Issued After Water Main Break Shakes Oldsmar
OLDSMAR, FL — The City of Oldsmar has issued a precautionary boil water notice following a significant water main break that is currently disrupting water service across the city. Officials warn residents to boil all tap water before drinking, cooking, or using it for baby formula or pet care due to potential contamination risks while repairs are underway.
The water main break has caused low to no water pressure in affected areas, prompting city crews to respond immediately. The boil water advisory affects all properties served by the city and is expected to remain in place for at least 48 hours while extensive repairs and bacteriological testing are completed to ensure water safety.
What Residents Need to Know Right Now
Residents must bring water to a vigorous boil for a full one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, ice making, and brushing teeth. The city emphasizes that water is still safe for showering and bathing but cautions against swallowing tap water during use.
Businesses and food service operations are urged to suspend use of water fountains and ice machines and rely on bottled water for any drinking or beverage prep. Food service providers must follow additional regulatory requirements to protect staff and customers.
“The City of Oldsmar water system workers are fully engaged in repairing the main and protecting public health,” said a city official. “We appreciate everyone’s cooperation during this precautionary period.”
Important Safety Guidelines and Resources
- Use bottled or boiled water for brushing teeth and preparing baby formula.
- Wash hands with tap water and soap for regular hygiene, but use boiled or bottled water when preparing food.
- Ice in freezers prior to the notice remains safe; ice machines should be turned off until the advisory is lifted.
- Wash fruits, vegetables, and other foods only with bottled or boiled water.
- Dishwashers are safe to use if water reaches 170°F or has a sanitizing dry cycle.
- Water softeners and filtration systems do not protect against microorganisms—boiling is safest.
- Pets should receive boiled or bottled water as a precaution.
If water appears yellow or milky after pressure returns, residents should flush pipes for at least 10 minutes and call the Water Division at 813-749-1226 if issues persist.
Who Is Affected and What’s Next?
The advisory covers only Oldsmar city water customers; nearby communities such as Eastlake Woodlands and Hillsborough County are unaffected. Residents can sign up for emergency alerts via the Alert Pinellas system to receive updates by phone, text, or email.
The city will lift the boil water notice only after repairs finish and water quality tests confirm safety. A follow-up notice will be released immediately upon rescission.
Where to Get More Information
Residents with questions can contact the Oldsmar Water Division at 813-749-1226 for assistance. For food service business concerns, contact the Florida Department of Health. General drinking water queries can be directed to the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
This incident underscores the importance of maintaining water system infrastructure and public health vigilance. Oldsmar officials assure the public they are prioritizing urgent repairs and safety testing to restore normal service as quickly as possible.
Stay alert for updates on the city’s website and social media channels as this situation develops.
