Boil water advisory issued for downtown Wilmington area ahead of water valve repairs

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority has issued a precautionary boil water advisory for approximately 80 customers in the area surrounding Front and Ann streets, beginning Thursday, June 4 at 6 p.m., due to planned utility work in the area.

According to Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, crews will be replacing broken water valves, a process that may result in temporary water service interruptions for nearby customers.

The advisory will affect addresses in several nearby blocks, including the 300 and 400 blocks of South Front Street; the 100 block of Ann Street; the 100, 200, and 300 blocks of Nun Street; and the 300 and 400 blocks of South 2nd and South 3rd Streets.

Officials said periods of low or no water pressure can increase the risk of back siphonage, which may allow bacteria to enter the water system. As a precaution, customers under the advisory are urged to boil all water intended for consumption.

Water should be brought to a rolling boil for one minute and then allowed to cool before use. Alternatively, residents may use bottled water until the advisory is lifted.

Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, brushing teeth, making ice, food preparation, washing fruits and vegetables, and preparing infant formula. Water does not need to be boiled for showering or bathing.

CFPUA laboratory staff will conduct water quality testing before lifting the advisory to ensure the system is safe for normal use to resume.