All Union County schools have shut down today due to an emergency ‘boil water advisory‘ for all of Union County.
The advisory was caused by the high levels of E.coli detected in the public drinking water supply.
At this point, all school classes, offices, sports, and after-school programs have been canceled for March 12th.
(1/3) Union County is under a boil advisory due to the presence of E.coli in the drinking water, which may pose an acute health risk. All schools and offices will be closed today, March 12. All after school and athletic events are cancelled as well. @AGHoulihan pic.twitter.com/oM5qiUvMjW
— Union County Schools (@UCPS_MonroeNC) March 12, 2020
ALERT: All Union County Public Works customers are under a Boil Water Advisory effective immediately due to routine water samples showing the presence of E. coli in one area. The health and safety of our water customers is our top priority. MORE: https://t.co/jPZhL61TC3
— Union County NC (@UnionCountyNC) March 12, 2020
The City of Monroe issued the following statement about the advisory:
“Earlier in the day, the City was advised by the Union County Public Works Department that a location in the County’s water supply area had tested positive for e-coli. E-coli is a standard test that all water systems are required to perform every month. Presence of this bacteria can indicate contamination of fecal material, and the standard response required by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is to issue a boil water advisory as a precaution until the issue can be resolved.”
No illnesses have yet been reported.
Residents can also test their own water for E Coli at home using these kits.
The boil-water advisory will remain in effect until investigators obtain clean samples.