A boiling pot of water with steam rising, along with an alert notice for a boil water advisory in Wilmington, NC. The image includes a logo from East Coast Water Quality Inc.

URGENT: Boil Water Alert in Wilmington, NC on Sept. 15

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WARNING – WILMINGTON, NC

Around 300 customers of the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) in the Sunset Park area and along Carolina Beach Road in Wilmington will be affected by a precautionary boil water advisory starting Sunday, September 15. The advisory will begin at 5 p.m., impacting water services across several specific addresses.

Areas Affected

The precautionary boil water advisory will cover the following locations:

  • 2059 to 2448 Carolina Beach Road
  • The 200, 300, and 400 blocks of Central Boulevard
  • The 500, 600, and 700 blocks of Morningside Drive
  • The 200, 300, and 400 blocks of Southern Boulevard
  • The 2100 block of Adams Street
  • The 2100 block of Washington Street
  • 509 to 617 Hart Street
  • The 300 and 400 blocks of Bell Street
  • The 300 and 400 blocks of Cape Fear Boulevard

Reason for the Advisory

CFPUA crews will be replacing multiple broken valves within the drinking water distribution system during the advisory. According to a statement from CFPUA, customers in the affected areas may experience low or no water pressure starting Sunday evening and into the early hours of Monday, September 16. These pressure issues increase the potential for back siphonage, a process that can allow bacteria to enter the water system.

Advisory Instructions

Under the boil water advisory, customers are advised to boil their water for one minute and let it cool before using it for:

  • Drinking (including water for pets)
  • Brushing teeth
  • Making ice
  • Food preparation, including washing fruits and vegetables
  • Preparing baby formula

Alternatively, residents may use bottled water for these purposes until the advisory is lifted.

Safety Testing

CFPUA will perform water tests to ensure it is safe for consumption before lifting the advisory. Updates will be provided as soon as test results are available and it is confirmed that the water meets safety standards.

This precautionary measure ensures that residents are protected from any potential contamination during the valve replacement process. Boiling the water is a straightforward and effective way to eliminate harmful bacteria that may be introduced due to the temporary disruption of water pressure.

Water Filtration System

For those affected by boil water advisories, water filtration systems, such as reverse osmosis systems and whole-home water conditioners, offer a convenient and long-term solution. These systems help ensure the water you use for drinking, cooking, and other household tasks remains safe and free from contaminants with no need for boiling.

Reverse Osmosis Systems

A reverse osmosis (RO) filtration system works by pushing water through a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities like bacteria, viruses, and other harmful particles. These systems are highly effective, filtering out up to 99% of contaminants. During events like a boil water advisory, an RO system can provide extra peace of mind, offering cleaner water even when the municipal supply is compromised.

reverse osmosis drinking water system from east coast water quality
RO drinking water system from East Coast Water Quality

Whole-Home Water Conditioners

Whole-home water conditioners, on the other hand, treat water as it enters the house, addressing issues like hard water and removing sediment, chlorine, and other chemicals. While not as targeted as reverse osmosis for bacteria and viruses, these systems improve overall water quality, making it safer for everyday use.

Both systems act as safeguards, ensuring that your household’s water remains clean and healthy, regardless of disruptions in the public water supply.

Protector Series water conditioners from East Coast Water Quality
Protector Series Whole Home Water Softeners & Conditioners

Source: WECT 6