Boil Water Notice Issued for Small Portion of Concord After E. coli Detected in Kannapolis Water System
E. coli contamination in Kannapolis system prompts advisory for 419 Concord customers north of I-85 and NC-73; officials urge boiling water.
A boil water notice has been issued for a portion of the City of Concord after E. coli bacteria were detected in the drinking water system of the City of Kannapolis, officials said Friday.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) notified Concord of the contamination, prompting immediate action for affected residents. Approximately 419 Concord customers — primarily in areas north of Interstate 85 and N.C. Highway 73 — receive water from Kannapolis and are subject to the advisory.
City officials emphasized that the notice impacts only a small fraction of Concord’s roughly 46,000 water customers. Residents outside the affected areas do not need to take any action.
Customers under the advisory are being contacted directly, and the City has provided maps online identifying impacted zones. Only those within designated red areas of the map (see profile image) are under the boil water notice.
Officials urge affected residents to boil all water before use. Water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute and allowed to cool before drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, making ice, or washing dishes. Bottled water may also be used as an alternative. Boiling water is effective in killing bacteria and other harmful organisms.
E. coli bacteria are commonly associated with contamination from human or animal waste. Exposure can lead to short-term health effects such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and headaches. Health officials note that infants, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems may face higher risks.
Free bottled water is being distributed to impacted residents at the City of Kannapolis Fire Department Logistics Building, located at 933 Floyd Street, through 8 p.m. Friday.
The Cabarrus Health Alliance has also activated a public health information line at 704-920-1213, available until 9 p.m. Friday and reopening Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m. Additional guidance and frequently asked questions are available on the agency’s website.
As a precaution, Concord officials also announced the temporary closure of Lake Fisher for Saturday and Sunday, noting that the boathouse at the lake is supplied by Kannapolis water.
City officials say the advisory will remain in effect until further notice.