For Immediate Release – August 1 6, 2024
City of Florence Experiencing System-Wide Water Pressure Issues
Media Contacts:
Josh Whittington, Utilities Director – 843-665-3236 or jwhittington@cityofflorence.com
FLORENCE, SC – The City of Florence Water system is currently experiencing system-wide pressure issues. As a result of the flooding from Hurricane Debby that has occurred upstream of the city’s raw water intake along the Pee Dee River, the city’s surface water treatment plant began to take on water that contained high organic material. The plant’s typical chemical levels which are used for treatment were not able to maintain and allow the city to produce potable water.
As a result, the Surface Water Treatment plant was shut down to allow this water to pass by the intake where water is collected. City Utilities staff is in the process now of draining the facility, and once complete will begin pulling and treating water from the river again. City water customers will experience low to no water pressure and potentially some discoloration. We anticipate that the plant will be back in operation later this afternoon.
Once normal water pressure is restored for customers, there will be a system-wide boil water advisory. There has been no confirmed contamination of the system; however, because of the loss of pressure a slight potential for bacteriological contamination exists. Therefore, as a precautionary measure the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) requires the City of Florence to issue this advisory when an event occurs that allows the possibility for bacteria to enter the water system. Water customers should continue to vigorously boil their water for at least one full minute prior to drinking or cooking until notified by the City of Florence. Any ice made from water that has not been boiled should not be used for drinking purposes.
The boil water advisory is a precautionary measure to protect public health until test results confirm the water is safe to drink. Because the water quality is unknown at this time customers are urged to take appropriate precautions. Once test results for bacteriological quality are completed, the City of Florence will notify customers regarding the status of the boil water advisory.
We ask for the public’s patience during this time while we work to resolve this issue. If you have any questions concerning this notice, please call the City of Florence at (843) 665-3236 or SCDES (843) 661-4825.
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