ST. PAULS — Residents here are being advised to boil their water before drinking it until at least 5 p.m. Saturday, the town manager said Friday.
A water line broke at South Elizabeth and East Clark streets early Friday morning, J.R. Steigerwald said. The water was exposed to the air, which prompted the alert.
“When you have an open break you’re required to advise the people to boil their water for 24 hours,” he said.
Water samples have been sent to a testing lab in Lumberton, Steigerwald said. The samples must sit for 24 hours to determine if bacteria grows. If bacteria is detected, residents will be advised.
The water is safe to use for bathing, washing clothes and doing dishes, he said. But residents should boil the water before consuming it.
“If you’re making coffee, you should be safe,” Steigerwald said.
City personnel noticed a drop in water pressure about 2 a.m., Steigerwald said. He was alerted and the problem was traced to the break. At that time he had to decide whether to have personnel try to fix the break at night or in the daytime.
Steigerwald chose daytime.
But, the repair had to wait until a dialysis center at Burlington and McLean streets finished treating patients.
“You can’t just turn the water off on dialysis patients,” Steigerwald said.
It was about 3 p.m. before the treatments were completed. Affected businesses were alerted to a temporary water service interruption. The repair was completed by 5 p.m.