UPDATE:
WILMINGTON, NC, June 18, 2013: The water pressure was restored at 2:30 a.m. and crews conducted clean-up operations until approximately 4:00 am - there is some additional cleaning that will be done today. The cause of the break is contributed to the age of the pipe. The precautionary boil water advisory remains in effect until test results come back (usually within 24 hours). Once the all clear is given a rescind notice will be issued and customers will be notified. This will most likely occur later this afternoon or tomorrow morning.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jacqueline Valade
(910) 332-6759
After Hours: (910) 470-5991
jacqueline.valade@cfpua.org
communications@cfpua.org
WILMINGTON, NC, June 17, 2013: The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) is issuing a precautionary boil water advisory (PBWA) for customers in the following area of Wilmington: all customers residing on 13th, 14th, 15, and 16th Streets between Dock and Nun Streets. CFPUA crews are responding to a water main break and are in the process of isolating the valve. Customers in the advisory area may experience low or no water pressure or loss of water service. It is estimated this repair will take 6 to 8 hours.
Because of the size of the affected area, CFPUA is asking the media for assistance in getting out the word about the advisory to the affected customers. We are also using New Hanover County's emergency notification system.
Periods of low or no pressure in the distribution system elevate the risk for back siphonage and introduction of bacteria into the water system. Therefore, CFPUA advises that, when water service is restored, the residents at the above addresses boil their water for at least one (1) full minute prior to human consumption until otherwise notified by CFPUA. Human consumption includes cooking, making ice, drink mixing, food preparation and hand washing. Affected customers do NOT need to boil water prior to using it for bathing.
The PBWA shall be in effect until water quality testing has occurred and service is returned to normal. When testing is completed, typically within 24 hours, and service is returned to normal, updates to this advisory will be provided via hand-delivered announcement, posted on our website www.cfpua.org, AND/OR sent to area media outlets.
A precautionary boil water advisory is a public health announcement. When issued, the public should assume there is an elevated risk of their water being unsafe to drink. Advisories can be issued after: incidents that compromise the distribution system (ex. water main break); failure of/substantial interruption in water treatment processes that result in increased turbidity levels or particle counts; mechanical or equipment failure; violations of the total coliform rule or the turbidity standard of the surface water treatment rule; or a natural disaster. www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking.