UPDATED -E. coli found in Kannapolis drinking water, a few Concord customers affected too
UPDATE- The boil water notice for all affected water customers was lifted at 6 p.m. Saturday after testing showed the water was safe to drink.
KANNAPOLIS - A boil water notice remains in effect for much of Kannapolis after E. coli bacteria was detected in the city's municipal water system, officials said Friday.
In an update issued at 8 p.m. Friday, April 24, the city said some areas that receive water from the City of Concord have been cleared for normal use and no longer need to boil water. Those areas are identified on updated maps available on the city's website.
For the rest of the city served by Kannapolis' system, however, the advisory remains in place as officials work to resolve the issue.
Cabarrus Health Alliance confirmed Friday that Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, was found in the water supply, prompting the ongoing notice and additional public health precautions.
Residents in affected areas are advised to bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, washing dishes, making ice, preparing food or infant formula, and handwashing. Bottled water may also be used.
As a result of the contamination, Cabarrus Health Alliance ordered an immediate suspension of operations for all permitted restaurants and food service establishments in Cabarrus County that are served by the Kannapolis water system. Those businesses cannot reopen until the advisory is lifted.
Health officials have also issued guidance to hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, tattoo businesses and other regulated operations to ensure safety measures are in place.
"Protecting the health and safety of our residents is our top priority," said Erin Shoe, health director for Cabarrus Health Alliance. "We are working closely with municipal and state partners to monitor the situation and provide updates as soon as they become available."
The impact of the contamination extends slightly beyond Kannapolis. The City of Concord announced that 419 of its customers - in areas north of Interstate 85 and N.C. 73 - are also under a boil water notice because their water is supplied by Kannapolis. The notice does not apply to the rest of Concord's roughly 46,000 water customers.
Concord officials said affected customers are being contacted directly and can view maps online showing impacted areas. They are also advised to boil water for at least one minute before use or rely on bottled water.
In addition, Lake Fisher - which receives drinking water from Kannapolis - will be closed Saturday and Sunday, April 25–26, as a precaution, according to Concord officials.
To assist those impacted, Kannapolis will distribute free bottled water beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 25, at 1401 Bethpage Road. Concord customers affected by the notice can also pick up bottled water at the Kannapolis Fire Department Logistics Building, 933 Floyd St., through 8 p.m. Friday.
E. coli exposure can cause symptoms including stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and fever. Health officials said anyone experiencing severe symptoms, bloody diarrhea, dehydration or prolonged illness should seek medical care.
If residents are unsure whether their water comes from the Kannapolis system, officials recommend using bottled water until they can confirm the source.
The Cabarrus Health Alliance has activated a health information hotline at 704-920-1213, available until 9 p.m. Friday and from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Additional hours for Sunday will be determined.
City officials encouraged residents to check their respective city websites for updated maps and information and thanked the community for its patience as the situation continues to develop.
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