LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Lee County Utilities says 580 homes are under a boil water notice because of a water main break. The homes under the notice are off Winkler Road and south of Summerlin Road.
Wednesday morning, the utility company confirmed that water service had been restored to the affected area. However, the boil water advisory remains in effect.
The following areas under the notice include:
- Banyan Bay
- Catalina Isles
- Belle Meade
- Tropical Cove
- Winkler Estates
- Timber Run Court from 8761 Timber Run Court to the end of the cul-de-sac
A Lee County spokesperson said in a press release that a pipe shifted due to recent rain, which impacted a 12-inch water main near Banyan Boulevard and Winkler Road.
All water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth or washing dishes needs to be boiled for at least one minute.
Lee County Utilities will keep this notice in effect until bacteriological testing shows the drinking water is safe, which could take anywhere from 2-3 days.
According to the Florida Department of Health, water pressure in an affected pipe is a key indicator of whether a boil notice is issued.
A drop in water pressure associated with a main break increases the risk that contamination of harmful bacteria can get into the water.
Crews must then flush the pipe and test the water to ensure there is no contamination.
Corrosion is the number one cause of pipe breakage, which is why the City of Fort Myers is working to replace aging metallic pipes with stronger PVC material.
An area of McGregor Preserve is one of the areas currently undergoing that replacement.
