The boil-water order for Fort Lauderdale and surrounding cities remains in effect until further notice, city officials said Saturday.
That means tap water should not be used for drinking, making ice, preparing foods, washing dishes or brushing teeth without first bringing it to a rolling boil for a minute to eliminate any bacteria or other organisms.
A first round of water samples were taken Friday and the city took a second round of samples on Saturday, officials said. If the samples are clean, the boil order could be lifted on Sunday.
About 220,000 people were affected by the water crisis.
The city distributed bottled water at three locations around the city until 8 p.m. Saturday. It will do so again from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday
The city set up three centers to hand out water by the gallon to parched residents: the Beach Community Center, 3351 NE 33rd Ave.; Mills Pond Park, 2201 NW Ninth Ave.; and Riverland Park, 950 SW 27th Ave. The county is running a fourth location at Delevoe Park, 2520 NW Sixth St. It will distribute water through 7 p.m. Sunday.
City officials estimate that they have distributed about 5,000 cases of water so far.
The broken pipe caused more trouble than usual because most water pipes that break are carrying water from the plant to homes and businesses. This 42-inch concrete pipe was actually supplying water from water wellfields to the city’s main water plant, Fiveash Regional Water Treatment Plant. The city has two treatment plants, but the one affected, Fiveash, supplies most of the city’s drinking water.
On Saturday, Fiveash was operating above its daily production levels in order to replenish water reserves. The city expected to reach target water reserve level in the afternoon.
Crews are still assessing valves near the repaired pipe. All were said to be operating properly, and work on the valves will continue in preparation for the permanent repair.
Officials estimate that early next week, work will begin on redirecting the flow of water so a contractor can replace the damaged pipe and complete the permanent repair. Officials say they don’t anticipate any interruptions to water service while the permanent repair is being made.
Customers with questions can call the City of Fort Lauderdale 24-Hour Call Center at 954-828-8000.
