​As summer approaches in South Florida, so does the start of hurricane season, which is slated for June 1 of each year. While Palm Beach County normally doesn't see an increase in storm activity until the middle of August, now is the time to start preparing for what forecasters are saying should be an above average year in terms of named storms.

At the Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department (PBCWUD), preparations are well underway. While the impact of any storm cannot be predicted, PBCWUD staff understands that the best way to ensure minimal impact to the life-essential service we provide our customers is preparation during the months leading up to hurricane season. The portions of Palm Beach County served by PBCWUD experienced minimal impact to the water and wastewater systems following Hurricane Irma and staff have studied actions taken before, during and after that storm to further prepare for future hurricanes. Staff began implementing changes, checking equipment and preparing plants for the upcoming season earlier this Spring and are ready should our area be impacted by a storm in 2018.

IF A "BOIL WATER NOTICE" IS ISSUED

While not as common as with the electric grid, hurricanes can cause breaks in the potable water supply system, which necessitate the issuance of a "Boil Water Notice" until repairs are made and testing shows the system to be free from contaminats. Should a "Boil Water Notice" be issued, remember that water should be brought to a rolling boil for one (1) minute and allowed to cool before it is used for drinking, cooking, washing dishes or brushing teeth.

Water may also be treated with chlorine by mixing eight drops of unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach with a gallon of water. The chlorine bleach should be mixed thoroughly and allowed to stand for 30 minutes before consumption.

AFTER A STORM PASSES

Many of the issues that arise with hurricanes come not during a storm, but in the aftermath. Widespread power outages affect the wastewater collection system as the lift stations, which move wastewater to our plants, are suddenly without electricity. PBCWUD has 418 generators that are rotated among the 1,007 lift stations in our service area to ensure that wastewater doesn't back up into homes or onto the street.

As electricity is returned to certain areas of the system, residents often drain tubs that have been holding emergency water and use washers to clean dishes and clothing that may have been used during the storm. With the wastewater system still running at a reduced capacity, this influx of water to the collection system can overwhelm the system and threaten the very back-ups that PBCWUD crews work 24 hours a day to prevent. How can you help? Immediately following a storm, do not empty your bathtub and limit toilet flushing and washing clothes or dishes.

To guarantee you and your family have an adequate supply of drinking water before a storm, it is recommended that you have a two-week supply of one gallon of fresh, clean water per person, per day. For more information on recommended supplies and ways to prepare your home and family, download the Palm Beach County Hurricane Survival Guide located here.