Whiteville water customers are under a boil advisory while repairs are made to the city water system.
Emergency Services Director Hal Lowder said city officials opted to manually restore pressure, rather than using the automated system, to slowly return the flow while the problem is being isolated.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we opted to use the manual switching,” he said. “That way we could maintain firefighting capability if something were to happen.”
Due to the loss of pressure, there is an increased chance of bacteria and debris entering the system. The state Division of Water Resources advised that consumers boil all water used for human consumption (including drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation) or use bottled water.
Vigorous boiling for one minute should kill any disease-causing organisms that may be present in the water.
The city has water testing equipment, Lowder said, which should speed up the all-clear.
“Whenever possible, we hope people will conserve water while this is being resolved,” Lowder said. “We appreciate everyone’s patience.”
For more information contact the city at 910.642.8046.
