All City of Melbourne Water customers under boil water notice

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — City of Melbourne Water customers are under s boil water notice until informed otherwise, the city announced Friday.

E. coli bacteria were found in one routine sample point at 1037 Ashley Avenue in Indian Harbour Beach on April 10, 2025, officials said.

Bacterial infection can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source for reasons like heavy rain, or by a break in the water pipes or a failure in the water treatment process. Since the bacteria only have been found at one spot in the water system, a laboratory testing error also is possible.

To be safe, however, do not drink the water, brush your teeth using tap water or wash your hands without first boiling the water. Use bottled water, or bring the water to a full boil for one minute, and let it cool completely before using it.

E coli can make you very sick, and infants, young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable. Short-term symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea and headaches.

Officials said they expect to resolve the problem within two days. 

Additional testing of the water supply, especially at the Ashley Avenue address, is being conducted to determine that no more bacteria is present in the water supply, officials said.

Because of the boil water notice, Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital said it went on emergency water protocols. The hospital is doing appropriate water testing and using bottled water for drinking and bathing. Effects on patients are limited, the hospital said in a statement. Surgeries are continuing as planned, but out of an abundance of caution, endoscopy procedures are being rescheduled, Orlando Health Melbourne’s statement said.