Boil Water Notice Lifted For MOST Of Lee County
Continuing to make progress in power and water restoration following Hurricane Ian, the boil water notice lifted for MOST of Lee County today. It’s been a slow process in the Fort Myers area since Ian caused widespread damage when it rolled ashore as a near category five storm on September 28th.
The water in Lehigh Acres and Bonita Springs has been safe to drink for more than a week. However, the rest of Lee County has been under a precautionary boil water notice.
While 99% of residents are clear to use tap water for drinking, cooking and such, there are a few pockets that are still in danger of having bacteria in the water.
If you live or work in these area, you must boil your water before consumption or used bottled water. Filtered water will not work. It might make your water taste better but it does not remove potentially harmful bacteria.
- 1. Town & River neighborhood, at McGregor and Cypress Lake Drive
- 2. North Trail RV along Old Orange River Blvd.
- 3. All of Siesta Isles, which includes Siesta Drive, Cutlass Drive, Deep Passage Lane, and Old Pelican Bay Drive
If you need a reminder of how to purify your water, including how long to boil it, click here. However, the general rule is that after one minute of a rapid boil, bacteria should be eliminated and the water safe to ingest.
One of the reasons the boil water notice was in place for so long is because damage in lines caused the water pressure to drop throughout the county. Lee County Utilities is reporting the pressure is finally back up to its pre-storm, normal operating range. If you see any leaks, any water bubbling from places it shouldn’t be, please report it to utility officials. The number to call is 239-533-8700.
Boil water notices have been lifted for residents in Charlotte and Collier Counties as well. Click here for more Hurricane Ian relief information.
Hurricane Ian Event Cancelations
The list of Hurricane Ian event cancelations in Southwest Florida continues to grow.
Many of the sites slated to host events have hurricane damage. Also, many of the organizers have suffered personal losses. It takes a tremendous amount of energy and resources to throw a big bash. Both of these things are in short supply in many instances. Priorities are shifting.
In addition, all eyes are fixed firmly on donating to storm recovery now. Most of the events listed here are fund raisers or have a fund raising element to them. While these organizations depend heavily on their annual events to fund vital programs and operations, their needs are also shifting following the storm.
Ian closed the islands
Take for instance CROW, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, on Sanibel Island. The annual Taste of the Islands is a much anticipated event every November. At the time we are writing this, there is no word on when the barrier island will be open for business. In the meantime, the clinic is establishing an off island location to continue taking care of injured animals. The show must go on.
And finally, when it comes to attending big events, many Southwest Florida residents are just not ready to get out and celebrate. That time will come and when it does, we will embrace it with both arms. However, most event organizers feel now is still just a little too soon.
The German American Club in Cape Coral is canceling this year’s big Octoberfest party. The grounds were badly damaged by Hurricane Ian.
Click here to find more resources for hurricane recovery.
In the meantime, here are the current Hurricane Ian event cancelations. The list is continuously updated.
Saltwater Cowboy
A benefit for the Heights Foundation in Fort Myers Saltwater Cowboy fishing tournament and party had been scheduled for November 5th. The new date has not been released yet.
