OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Toho Water Authority is encouraging residents to prepare their households for potential water and wastewater service disruptions as hurricane season continues.
Households should store enough drinking water for every person and pet for at least three days. Toho recommends setting aside one gallon of potable water per person per day in clean containers with secure lids. The water can be used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth and washing dishes.
Residents should also store non-potable water for bathing, cleaning and flushing toilets. Bathtubs, coolers, large containers and new or thoroughly cleaned trash cans can be filled with tap water before a storm arrives.
Freezing some containers or food-storage bags filled with water can also help keep food cold if electricity is lost while providing an additional water supply as the ice melts.
To reduce flooding and pressure on wastewater collection systems, residents are encouraged to turn off irrigation systems, limit water use and complete laundry, dishwashing and other cleaning before the storm. Stored water should not be discarded until flooding has receded and electrical service has been restored.
If a hurricane threatens the area, Toho may close its offices and temporarily suspend service disconnections for nonpayment. Crews will continue responding to water- and sewer-related emergencies when conditions allow.
Following a storm, Toho will assess damage and prioritize repairs affecting essential services, including hospitals, care facilities and police and fire stations. Customers should avoid contact with floodwater because it may contain sewage.
Boil-water advisories may be issued if water pressure is lost or contamination is detected. Toho will notify affected customers through methods that may include door hangers, telephone calls, text messages, news outlets and social media.
Residents are encouraged to ensure their telephone numbers and email addresses are current with Toho so they can receive emergency notices.
Additional preparedness guidance and storm-related water updates are available at tohowater.com/hurricane.
