Map Shows States With New Drinking Water Hazards

Water advisories on Friday were issued in several cities across the United States due to operational issues and water main breaks at local water departments.

The advisory comes as parts of the Midwest and Northeast are still experiencing warm temperatures through the weekend. In New Jersey, a boil-water advisory was issued for thousands of customers in the cities of Clifton and Paterson Thursday night due to water main breaks. Officials appointed the adviser on Friday morning.

Below is a list of states with water advisories as of Friday night.

North Carolina

Part of Durham, North Carolina, was placed under a boil water advisory after officials said that service problems led to low pressure and outages in the city. As of 5pm EST Friday, the advisory was still in effect for some areas northwest of Durham. Officials said in an update that they are waiting on the results of water sampling to “confirm” that they can end the advisory. The city hopes to get the sample results by Saturday morning.

“This advisory is precautionary,” read a sign from Junior Mobley, Durham’s water and sewer maintenance supervisor. “We believe our water meets, and continues to meet, all water quality standards throughout the Advisory.”

Mobley’s notice reads that prolonged periods of “low or no pressure in the distribution system increase the potential for back siphonage and the introduction of bacteria into the water system.”

“Therefore, the Division of Water Resources advises that when water is restored, consumers boil all water used for human consumption (including drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and preparing food) or use bottled water,” the announcement read. . “A vigorous boil for one (1) minute should kill any disease-causing organisms that may be present in the water.”

Virginia

Residents of Martinsville, Virginia, were placed on a boil water order after a waterline break caused widespread disruption throughout the city. City officials advised residents to boil tap water “before drinking, drinking and preparing food.” Failure to follow the warning “may cause stomach or intestinal upset,” read the city’s release.

Officials said they are working to repair damaged water lines and will update residents once a boil water advisory has been lifted.

County Wise officials in southwest Virginia also issued a boil water advisory Friday afternoon after a water main break. The district’s public services page on Facebook said: “Customers should not drink tap water without bringing the water to a boil for at least one minute and cooling it before drinking.”

South Dakota

City officials in Aberdeen, South Dakota, issued a boil water advisory on Thursday after a water main break in a “large diameter” pipe caused low water pressure for some residents. The advisory went into effect Friday, according to a report from Dakota News Now, and city officials said the boil water order could be lifted as soon as Saturday after water sampling is complete.

“If you experience low or no water pressure, it is recommended … that customers boil all water used for food preparation, brushing teeth, making ice, and drinking until further notice,” read a release from the city’s Department of Public Works.

New Mexico

Some areas of New Mexico have been under a boil water advisory since Tuesday, as wildfires continue to burn out of control in the southern part of the state.

The state Department of Health and Environment’s Bureau of Drinking Water says wildfires could damage some water systems. Residents under the advisory are “recommended to seek alternative drinking water sources to ensure public health and safety,” read a release from the New Mexico Department of the Environment.

Systems under advisory on Friday night are: Ruidoso Water System; Alto Lakes Water & Sanitation District; Tall Pine Water Association; Cedar Creek; Alpine Village; Smokey Bear Ranger Station; High Country Lodge; Eagle Creek Shell Store; Eagle Creek Sports Complex; and Gavilan Hills Water Association. More than 24,000 residents were affected.

“The water from this system can be used for other activities, such as washing
clothes and dishes, and the general public who do not drink,” said the official. “Do not bathe babies and small children with this water. People who are immunocompromised / immunosuppressed, and / or have open wounds, wounds, or pain should not use the water for bathing until they are notified that the water is safe.”