Myakka City Water Contaminated After Hurricane Ian: Manatee County

MYAKKA CITY, FL — Though floodwaters from Hurricane Ian have mostly receded in the area, a risk remains for those who live there because of contaminated drinking water, according to a Manatee County news release.

Following the flooding in eastern parts of the county, residents were encouraged by county officials 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 - has shown that a substantial number of private wells in the area were contaminated from the floodwaters,” the county said.

• Stay up-to-date by viewing all Hurricane Ian coverage on Patch here.

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 starting Thursday and will continue until water in the area is safe to drink.

County leaders are also working with contractors to provide disinfection services to citizens with contaminated wells.

“We need to ensure we do not have a water-borne disease outbreak,” Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes said.

Those with a well on their property can use unscented household bleach to disinfect it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers tips on disinfecting wells here.

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