MONROE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- All Union County public schools are closed Thursday amid a boil water notice in Monroe, according to county officials.
The City of Monroe says routine testing found E. coli in a small portion of the water system near Monroe Fire Department Station 4 on Old Charlotte Highway. Officials stress that the impacted area is small, with only nine customers; however, a boil water advisory has been issued for the whole city water system as a precaution.
The city has isolated the impacted area and flushed the system. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has been notified. Additional testing will follow.
What should I do?
If you use city water, boil all tap water for at least one entire minute before drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, making ice or giving it to pets. Use bottled water if available.
If you have any symptoms of E. coli exposure, like diarrhea, nausea, cramps or headaches, go see a medical professional.
What businesses are impacted?
The Union County Public Health Department is temporarily suspending all food establishments and other permits that use Monroe City water. Businesses with approved emergency water supply plans will not be impacted.
Businesses can remain open if they follow strict health and safety protocols. If they do not, the business must stay closed until the boil water notice has been lifted.
What schools are closed?
All Union County Public Schools, officers and facilities will be closed on Thursday. This also includes the cancellation of all athletics, camps and district-wide activities.
Employees are asked to work remotely if possible. Around noon on Thursday, school district leaders will reevaluate whether some events can be held.
This comes before students and teachers return to school. Friday, August 15, is set to be the first optional teacher workday, and students are set to return to school on Monday, August 25, according to the school district calendar.
What are the effects of E. coli?
E. coli being found in water often means that the bacteria from human or animal waste have contaminated the water. Exposure can lead to short-term impacts like diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. Those at greater risk are infants, young children, the elderly and the immunocompromised.
When is the boil water notice set to be lifted?
The boil water notice is expected to be lifted at some point on Thursday, August 14. The City of Monroe water system is separate from the Union County water system, and county water customers are not impacted.
However, some county buildings are on the city water system. Signage will be posted in those buildings to warn visitors and employees not to drink the water.
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