Hurricane Helene has been absolutely heartbreaking, especially to those of us in Manatee and Sarasota counties, not to mention our neighbors to the north and south. The devastation here has been far beyond anything in living memory, and we can only do our best to support our neighbors in this difficult time.
As this storm has painfully demonstrated, access to fresh drinking water is paramount during and after a natural disaster. Just before the storm hit, the municipal water supply for the barrier islands we serve—including Anna Maria, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Siesta Key, and Casey Key—was shut off in order to protect the area’s larger water infrastructure.
Now, as water supplies are restored and we begin the slow march toward recovery, many of these same areas are still under a “boil water notice.” Our goal now, as always, is to ensure that everyone not only has access to Healthy Water Bradenton and Sarasota, but also that they understand what factors are affecting their water in the first place.
Why is water unsafe after a storm?
During and after a hurricane, Sarasota/Bradenton municipal water (and private well water, too) can most commonly be affected by flooding—whether from heavy rainfall or a storm surge. In 2024 already, Debbie caused catastrophic flooding from a large volume of rain, whereas our current crises after Hurricane Helene have primarily stemmed from storm surge.
In either case, floodwaters can contaminate Sarasota water and/or damage the pipe and pump infrastructures that carry the water from the treatment plant to your home. Storms, including power outages, can also affect the water treatment plants themselves.
What makes Sarasota water unsafe after a storm?
Contaminated water may contain any number of harmful things, including deadly bacteria and chemicals. The stormwater that may have potentially infiltrated your drinking water is the same floodwater that you see in the streets. It carries remnants from everything it encounters, including oil and gasoline, fertilizer, and even raw sewage.
How can I make my Bradenton water safe to drink?
First of all, it’s vital that you listen to government updates regarding your water’s potability. If you have access to internet service, the websites for Manatee County, Sarasota County, and the Florida Department of Health will all be providing continuous updates throughout an emergency. Many local municipalities, including Siesta Key, also have good systems in place for providing information. These sources should let you know if it’s safe to drink your local water.
If you do not have access to up-to-date information for your area after a storm, err on the side of safety. Stick to bottled water for drinking, cooking, and washing food and kitchenware.
During a boil water advisory, water should be boiled for 1 minute to kill harmful bacteria. Alternately, you can add 1/8 teaspoon of plain bleach per gallon of water and let stand for 30 minutes to disinfect. Water purification tablets are also available at sporting goods stores. (Please see this complete list of water safety instructions from the Florida Department of Health.)
Do I still have to boil water during a Bradenton/Sarasota boil water advisory if I have a home water treatment system?
Short answer: Yes, just to be safe.
Long answer: It depends.
It’s important to distinguish between “water filtration” and “water treatment” systems. Basic water filters can remove minerals and sediment, but most water filtration systems do not remove or eliminate harmful bacteria.
Many of today’s advanced residential water treatment systems, however, are designed not just to filter water but to kill and/or neutralize living microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, molds, and mildew. However, the effectiveness of these systems may still depend on electrical power. Also, bear in mind that they may have sustained damage during the storm.
The Next Storm will always happen.
Now that we know a little better than we did last time, we have to start preparing for the next storm to hit Sarasota-Bradenton.
Unfortunately, we can no longer count on past experiences to predict how storms will affect our area. While we have seen terrible effects recently, we must assume that we will see the same again, if not worse.
“Is my Bradenton/Sarasota water safe? How can I make it safe? When will it be safe again?” If you don’t know the answers to these and other questions when it comes to your home water treatment system, now is the time to ask your Bradenton Healthy Water experts. As long-time Manatee County residents, we have made it our life’s work to provide safe drinking water for this area. We are here to help.
Deckard & Company.