Town’s Boil Water Advisory Still In Effect, Awaiting Tests Results To Come in at 12:30

Editor’s Note: The water boil advisory has been lifted as of 12:30 p.m. Friday.

By Jesse Wood

Before knowing whether or not to rescind the water-boil advisory, Boone’s Public Utilities department is awaiting bacterial tests to finalize, which should take place at about 12:30 p.m.

“We are still recommending water use for human consumption to be boiled vigorously,” Public Utilities Director Rick Miller said, adding that if the bacterial tests come back positive then the order will be extended for another 24 hours.

On Wednesday morning, a water main break occurred in the town’s water system near Pilgrim’s Way causing “periods of low or now pressure in the water distribution system increases the potential for back siphonage and introduction of bacteria into the water system.”

“Therefore, the Division of Water Resources advises now that water service is restored consumers boil all water used for human consumption (including drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation) or use bottled water,” according to yesterday’s release from the town.

Water consumers in the Town of Boone are advised to boil water vigorously for one minute, a precaution that “should eliminate the potential for health hazards that may be present in the water.” They were also advised to conserve water where possible.

Following the town’s release, the Appalachian District Health Department sent out a notice that it was working with restaurants, childcare facilities and other healthcare facilities to provide guidance regarding the town’s water-boil announcement. ADHD’s guidance was coming from the Centers for Disease Control and the NC Environmental Health Emergency Preparedness and Recovery Guidance Manual for North Carolina, which provides info on handwashing, food preparation, dish washing, consumption of water, overall bacterial control and how to alert healthcare patients about this notice.

Miller said his department would issue a notice as soon as it receives the testing results.