Water service restoration by G.I.W.A. and Margate crews
At press time, a crew from Margate, Florida, hired to help Boca Grande restore its water service, hoped to have the main fully repaired by Friday.
As of Wednesday, the water system was coming back online faster than expected, with a crew from Margate, on Florida’s east coast, assisting in rebuilding the main water line from Rotonda that was destroyed on the Causeway. At the time, between 30% to 40% of the island was back in service.
“Wherever the pipe is intact, we can send the water,” said Ron Bolton, executive director of the Gasparilla Island Water Association (GIWA).
As of Wednesday, GIWA reported the following: With the exception of Gilchrist Avenue and some beach-front homes, water has been restored south of 5th Street. Testing of Boca Grande Isles’ water and sewer systems was scheduled for Thursday.
The north island has several substantial breaks or missing pipes.
Only a few lift stations are still without power. A complete assessment of all lift stations was expected by press time.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection had updated the status of the island’s water and sewer systems to “partially operational” and was scheduled to visit the wastewater plant for a status check.
As Bolton’s team works through the system, they are finding other areas where pipes are missing. Before the storm, GIWA had filled its tanks, and a small line that remained intact has been supplying water.
“The tank is full,” Bolton said. The crew from Margateis making quick progress on installing the main
pipe to the island. Part of the crew is also assisting with lift station evaluations and startups. By Wednesday evening, six lift stations were operational.
Readers have asked about the return of “three-phase” electrical service to the island. Household wiring typically consists of two wires—phase and neutral—in alternating current. Threephase electricity, used in transmission, can carry three times as much power with just one additional wire. Households use 220-volt plugs for dryers, which is a step up from standard household current.
As service is restored, Bolton reminds customers not to use water for irrigation and to please limit any outside water use. There is also a boil water notice.
“Everybody wants to power wash their house,” Bolton said. “It’s not time for that yet.”
