E. Coli Advisory Lifted in Tega Cay, Clean Water Now Restored

24-Hour Water Advisory Ends

Residents in Tega Cay can now pop the kettle on without fear. Less than 24 hours after an E. coli advisory was issued, the city has announced it is no longer necessary for residents to boil water before use. The announcement followed a notice issued late Wednesday afternoon, instructing that the water should be boiled before cooling and drinking after tests found traces of E. coli in the city’s water sample.

Just before 2 p.m. Thursday, the city lifted the advisory. New tests analyzed by a certified lab have shown that the water is now safe to drink and cook with, according to the city’s most recent update.

E. Coli Advisory: A Response to Water Safety Concerns

On Wednesday, the city reported that one of 11 samples collected during routine water quality testing was found contaminated with E. coli. A type of bacteria that can provoke stomach cramps and digestive issues in humans, E. coli is a significant concern for public health. This led to an advisory asking customers to vigorously boil water for at least one minute before being used for drinking or cooking.

Repeat Testing: Ensuring Water Safety

According to city officials, before the city could lift the advisory, repeat water sampling tests were required to show that E. coli was no longer present. The advisory also issued instructions to customers to use bottled or boiled (then cooled) water for all uses including brushing teeth, food preparation, making baby formula, making ice, or even offering water to pets.

Collaboration with Health Department

The city worked alongside the state Health Department on follow-up testing measures, striving to ensure the safety of its residents.

Tega Cay’s Water Source

Tega Cay sources its water from Fort Mill. This water is, in turn, purchased from Rock Hill, the city that first collects it from Lake Wylie. The water then journeys to Tega Cay through a 12-inch transmission main along Sutton Road, beginning at the Catawba River bridge at U.S. 21 and ending at New Grey Rock Road. In the past year alone, Tega Cay has purchased more than 386 million gallons of water from Fort Mill.

City’s Quality Assurance

The city’s annual water quality report stated that Tega Cay, Fort Mill, and Rock Hill didn’t find E. coli or any other coliform bacteria during their testing last year, indicating a persistent commitment to ensuring high water quality. With the lifting of the advisory, residents can again trust in the city’s commitment to their wellbeing.

This story was first published on July 11, 2024 at 9:10 AM.