Routine water testing by the City of Monroe detected the presence of E. coli in a small section of the City’s water system near Monroe Fire Department Station 4, located at 3907 Old Charlotte Highway.
Only nine water customers are affected. Each is being contacted directly, either in person or by phone, and bottled water will be provided until their service is fully restored.
Customers will still have access to running water while the section is being thoroughly cleaned and re-tested, but are advised to boil their water until all tests come back clear.
At this time there have been no reports of sickness related to this incident.
City Response
Within hours of the original test results, and out of an abundance of caution, City crews isolated the affected area. The section was then flushed thoroughly to remove any potential contaminants.
Additional testing was done outside the affected area to ensure that no contaminants had spread. The affected section will be monitored and tested regularly until all results confirm the water is safe.
The City of Monroe Water Resources are following all state-mandated policies on testing, reporting, and cleaning, including notifying the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) of the test results.
Read the DEQ report (PDF)
Once the required testing and procedures are complete, normal service will resume for those customers. It is estimated the process will continue through midday Thursday, August 14.
What to Do During a Boil Water Notice
Affected water customers are advised to:
- Boil tap water for at least one full minute before drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or giving it to pets.
- Use cooled boiled water or bottled water for these purposes.
- Follow these precautions even if your water appears clear and tastes normal.
For questions or concerns, please email the Monroe's Public Communications Office.