PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – A precautionary boil water notice was issued Monday afternoon for Pembroke Pines, Mayor Frank Ortis said.
Local 10 News received numerous emails from residents who said that they were out of water or had low water pressure.
Pembroke Pines police said on Twitter that they too had received numerous reports regarding water pressure issues.
They asked for patience and said that public services are working on repairs.
City officials said water main breaks that occurred in several parts of the city caused some areas to experience a loss of water pressure.
Ortis said three of the city's large water pumps were also damaged by either a tornado or lightning.
"We are trying to get water from other cities," Ortis said. "That is what we do as mayors, help each other. We are trying to do that, but right now, it is a boil water throughout the city."
City crews are on the scene working hard to fix the pumps, but the mayor said he does not know when the water will be back on.
In the meantime, he is working with Cooper City and Davie officials to try and redirect and reroute water to Pembroke Pines.
All water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth and washing dishes should be boiled for one minute before use.
Several other Broward County cities are also under a precautionary boil water notice, including Davie, Pembroke Park, West Park, Dania Beach and a portion of Miramar.
Davie officials said those who are unable to boil water at this time can disinfect tap water by adding eight drops of unscented household bleach to each gallon of water. The water should then be mixed and then sat for a minimum period of 30 minutes.
Officials said cloudy water requires 16 drops of bleach and a 30-minute contact time.
The disinfected water can then be used for bathing, laundry and irrigation.
It's unclear when water pressure will be restored in Pembroke Pines. The boil water notice will be discontinued once a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink.
