MANATEE COUNTY, FL (October 13, 2022) – While the floodwaters have mostly receded, the risk remains for residents in the Myakka City area of Manatee County whose drinking water comes from private wells.
In the wake of flooding due to Hurricane Ian in the eastern parts of Manatee County, residents with well water were encouraged to test their drinking water to verify its safety. Unfortunately, the first round of tests—administered by and through the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County (DOH Manatee)—has shown that a substantial number of private wells in the area were contaminated from the floodwaters.
Because of this, Manatee County is reestablishing a water-distribution point at the Myakka City Community Center to provide safe potable water for residents. Pallets of bottled water will be available for residents beginning today—and continuing until the community’s water is deemed safe. County leaders are also working with contractors to provide disinfection services to citizens with contaminated wells.
More information on well disinfection procedures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can be found here. These tips include proper techniques for disinfection of wells using household bleach.
“We need to ensure we do not have a water-borne disease outbreak.” said Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes as he visited the water distribution site.