The county's public works director said the boil alert affects the areas of Pinehurst and Seven Lakes. Residents of other communities in the county are not affected.
In a release issued by Moore County Public Utilities on Saturday, officials said routine monthly testing for the area's water supply on Aug. 14 and 15 detected the presence of E. coli in one sample. Follow-up testing on Aug. 17 also showed the bacteria in one sample.
Officials said they are flushing the water supply in the area where the bacteria was detective and increased the chlorine concentration in drinking water from all sources.
Water samples from additional testing conducted on Friday were sent to a private lab in Southern Pines for testing. Officials said that they hope to obtain the results by Sunday.
People in the area are asked to boil their water for three minutes before using it for drinking, cooking, making ice, washing dishes, or food preparation. They are also asked to share information about the notice with people who may not be aware of the notice, such as apartments, nursing homes and businesses.
E. coli infection can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms. Infants, young children and people with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to symptoms and should be particularly careful, said officials.
Moore County residents with questions about the notice can call
910-947-6315
or
910-947-6317
.
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