Orlando, Florida’s water supply system is facing a crisis because COVID patients need of liquid oxygen that normally treats the city’s water. The mayor is now asking residents to cut back on water usage as a result.
Orlando Utilities Commission consumes 10 tankers of liquid oxygen each week to remove odor and color from water.
A sharp increase in the usage of liquid oxygen by hospitals in treating COVID-19 patients has resulted in short supplies for other uses.
If you’re curious how COVID, water conservation, and liquid oxygen are connected, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer (D) explains it here: pic.twitter.com/MicaBLnNDW
— The Recount (@therecount) August 20, 2021
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer didn’t mince words about the cause of this crisis:
“This is another unfortunate impact of the pandemic continuing to surge in our community and another result of what happens when residents don’t get vaccinated and become critically ill and need dire medical support and treatment.”
The Mayor says this isn’t an emergency yet, but if they don’t take action now it could reach that level soon.
There is so much oxygen being used by COVID patients hospitalized in Orlando it is risking the city water supply.
Disaster. #COVID19 #coronavirus https://t.co/OM875OOJqi
— Ashley, BSN, RN (@TheBlondeRN) August 20, 2021
The county that encompasses Orlando, Orange County reported 8,800 new cases over the past week with an 18.3% positivity rate.
Watch the Mayor’s remarks above.
