April 11, 2025, Boil Water Notice Frequently Asked Questions

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Update: April 12, 1:35 p.m.: The Boil Water Notice Has Been Rescinded

The boil water notice issued on April 11 is hereby rescinded following the satisfactory completion of the bacteriological survey showing that the water is safe to drink.

Why was this Boil Water Notice issued?

E. coli bacteria were found in one routine sample point at 1037 Ashley Avenue, Indian Harbour Beach, on April 10, 2025. 

E. coli bacteria were not found in any of the other sites sampled. 

We are issuing a boil water notice to all water customers out of an abundance of caution

Until required bacteriological testing is completed, we recommend boiling tap water before consuming it to kill any potential contaminants, or using bottled water.

What is being done?

Additional samples upstream and downstream of 1037 Ashley Avenue in Indian Harbour Beach have been collected.

On April 12, 1:35 p.m., the boil water notice issued on April 11 was rescinded following the satisfactory completion of the bacteriological survey showing that the water is safe to drink.

Who does this notice affect?

All water customers served by the City of Melbourne are affected by this Boil Water Notice. This includes:

  • Indialantic
  • Indian Harbour Beach
  • Melbourne
  • Melbourne Beach
  • Melbourne Village
  • Palm Shores
  • Satellite Beach
  • Unincorporated Brevard South of Pineda Causeway (Customers who live in unincorporated Brevard County located south of Pineda Causeway and receive a water bill from the City of Melbourne. Suntree and Viera are served by the Cocoa water system – not Melbourne.)

West Melbourne is a wholesale customer of Melbourne.

How long should water be boiled?

Vigorous boiling for at least one full minute is the safest and most effective method of disinfection. Fill a pot with cold water and start timing when steady streams of bubbles pop from the bottom of the pot. Water must be adequately cooled before it can be used for washing or brushing teeth. Store the boiled water in clean, covered containers. Using bottled water is also an option.

How does boiling water make it safe to drink?

Boiling water purifies it because disease-causing bacteria, viruses or parasites will be destroyed by the heat.

Should I use bottled water?

Water from an alternative water source is the best option during a boil water advisory. When bottled water is available, it is a good alternative to boiling water.

Can I wash my hands in tap water during the notice period? 

Use tap water and soap for hand washing and basic hygiene, but if you are washing your hands to prepare food, use bottled or boiled water. 

What about brushing teeth? 

Use bottled or boiled water to brush teeth.

Can I take a shower?   

Yes. Just be careful not to drink the water while you shower or bathe. Though the risk of illness is minimal, individuals who have recent surgical wounds, are immunosuppressed, or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled or boiled water for cleansing until the notice is lifted.

What about washing dishes?

Hand-washing dishes: Wash with hot soapy water, then use boiled water to rinse.

Dishwasher: If the hot water reaches at least 170 degrees or the dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle and includes a full dry cycle, this will be sufficient.

Can I wash food with tap water? 

Fruits, vegetables and other foods should be washed with bottled or boiled water only.

Can I use tap water for making coffee, tea, lemonade, baby formula, frozen juice, or other beverages?

No. Water intended for drinking must be boiled before using it to make beverages, or use bottled water.

Does a water filter protect me?

Water filters in refrigerators and pitchers do not remove bacteria. For under-sink filters, read the manual. If in doubt, boil.

Is it safe to give water to pets?

Many pets, such as dogs, are susceptible to the same diseases as humans. Provide them with bottled or boiled water.

Can I use tap water to water my grass or garden?

Yes, but fruits and vegetables must be washed using boiled or bottled water before consumption.

When will the Boil Water Notice be lifted?

This Boil Water Notice will remain in effect while bacteriological tests are conducted to assure the safety of the water. The notice will be lifted (rescinded) only after the required testing proves the water is safe to drink. 

How is the public notified?

The City of Melbourne will issue a CodeRED (reverse 911) emergency call out, along with providing information to local media and posts on the City’s web site, Facebook and X.

The CodeRED system allows City emergency officials to notify those affected by an incident by their geographic area. Residents and businesses can sign up to receive telephone calls, cell phone calls, texts and/or e-mails. Only authorized officials have access to the CodeRED system. The company will not sell, trade, lease or loan any citizen-supplied information to third parties, so there are no security or privacy concerns.

The CodeRED database contains information obtained from public databases, including regional phone books. Those with unlisted numbers, cell phones or with blocking devices will not receive these emergency calls unless they enroll. Additionally, power outages may affect cordless phones.  

For more information about CodeRED and to sign up visit www.melbourneflorida.org/codered 

If you need assistance you can call the City’s ECO Division at 321-608-5080 and speak with someone who can register for you.

For general questions about drinking water quality:

Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.