The City of Mary Esther completed emergency repairs to a damaged fire hydrant Wednesday morning, restoring water service to all customers after a Tuesday evening incident that required a system shutdown and prompted a precautionary boil water notice.

• The incident began at approximately 4:30 p.m. Tuesday when city staff received notification of a broken water main near 325 Miracle Strip Parkway. The damage was identified as a fire hydrant that had been struck, most likely by a vehicle or piece of equipment.

Contractor Jacobs responded at approximately 5 p.m. and began initial assessment and repair efforts, according to the city. However, by 8:30 p.m., crews determined the damaged fire hydrant and water line could not be isolated for repair without a broader system shutdown.

Following the decision to implement the shutdown, traffic control was initiated and the full repair process commenced at approximately 9:30 p.m. The necessary repair directly resulted in significant loss of water pressure and, for many residents, temporary interruption of water service.

• Jacobs’ crews worked overnight and successfully completed the repair at approximately 6 a.m. Wednesday morning. Water service began being gradually restored to all customers.

Due to the significant drop in water pressure experienced during the repair process, which creates potential for contaminants to enter the water distribution system, a precautionary boil water notice remains in effect for all City of Mary Esther water customers. This is a standard public health protocol in line with Florida Department of Health guidelines.

City officials are advising all customers to bring their water to a rolling boil for one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth or washing dishes. Residents may also use bottled water as an alternative. Boiling water effectively kills any potential bacteria or organisms that may be present.

The city initiated efforts to disseminate the boil water notice as quickly as possible, publishing it on the city’s website and Facebook page at approximately 9:30 p.m. Tuesday night. However, the primary text and phone notification system experienced technical difficulties and failed on multiple attempts to send out mass alerts, according to a press release.

To ensure the critical information reached residents, city leadership and staff took alternative steps. At 11:50 p.m., staff contacted Okaloosa County Dispatch, who sent out a message through their countywide alert system at 12:10 a.m.

“While we regret the initial difficulties encountered with our direct notification system, I want to assure residents that we immediately activated alternative channels to ensure this vital health and safety information reached our community as widely and quickly as possible,” stated Jared Cobb, City Manager.

• Cobb said the city is actively reviewing the performance of the notification system to prevent similar issues in the future and to enhance emergency communication protocols.

To lift the precautionary boil water notice, the city must conduct rigorous bacteriological surveys. Teams are currently flushing the water system and are required to collect two consecutive sets of satisfactory bacteriological samples to confirm the water is safe for consumption without boiling. This testing process typically takes 24 to 48 hours after the repair is complete and pressure has been fully restored throughout the system.

Once the city receives confirmed safe results and obtains approval from the Florida Department of Health, it will issue an “ALL CLEAR” notification to the community through its website, social media and local media.

“We understand that this emergency repair, the temporary loss of service it caused, and the ongoing precautionary boil water notice have created significant inconvenience and concern for our residents and businesses,” added Cobb. “As a City, we are committed to providing safe, reliable water service. Our staff and contractor, Jacobs, have worked tirelessly around the clock to address this issue, and we truly appreciate the patience, understanding, and cooperation of our Mary Esther community during this critical time.”

What the city advises:

Boil Water: Bring all water used for drinking, cooking, ice making, brushing teeth, or washing dishes to a rolling boil for one minute.

Alternative: Use bottled water for these purposes.

Hand Washing: If boiling water for hand washing is not practical, consider using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after washing with soap and tap water.

Pets: Provide boiled or bottled water for your pets.

Showers/Bathing: The risk of harm from showering or bathing is minimal, but be careful not to swallow any water.

Laundry: Water used for laundry does not need to be boiled.

Dishwashers: If your dishwasher has a hot sanitize cycle, it can be used. Otherwise, wash dishes by hand using boiled water.