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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Cumberland County has lifted the boil water advisory, issued on Nov. 4, 2024, for all Southpoint Water System customers.

Laboratory analysis of water samples, collected on Nov. 5, 2024, show no evidence of bacteria, including E. coli. Customers are hereby notified they no longer need to boil water for human consumption. The advisory had been in effect since Cumberland County received notice from the Public Water Supply Section of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, that the routine sample taken during the County’s monthly screening tested positive for E. coli.

“We are grateful to our water customers for their patience and understanding as we worked through the regulatory testing set forth by the Public Water Supply Section of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality,” said Amy Hall, Public Utilities Project Manager. “Follow-up samples confirm that the issue with the original affected sample was isolated to that specific sample.”

Although the system tested free and clear of contamination, the following is advised for using water after the notice is lifted:

• Flush faucets for a total of 10 minutes to introduce system water throughout house plumbing.
• Discard any drinks, ice, food, etc., made during the boil water notice.
• Rewash any food or drink contact items (knives, forks, plates, etc.) with cleared system water.
• Check water filters (in faucets, refrigerators and elsewhere) and replace if necessary.
• Do not use water from your hot water heater for drinking until several exchanges of the tank have occurred.
• Run the dishwasher through a cycle or two before washing dishes.
• Additionally, any customer using water for the first time in several days should run taps for a period before using it for cooking or drinking. This will help to remove stagnant water from plumbing systems and bring in fresh water from watermains.