Pender County water shortage emergency and boil advisory remains in effect

BURGAW – The Pender County Utilities (PCU) water shortage emergency and system pressure/boil water advisory remains in effect through May 28.

“Customers in the Hampstead and Scotts Hill areas remain under a water shortage emergency today, as well as a system pressure advisory/boil water advisory,” said George Brown, chairman of the Pender County Board of Commissioners. “Water tank levels are improving, but conditions still require the conservation of water as much as possible, including no irrigation or other outside water usage.”

“Water samples were taken this morning and are being analyzed to determine if any contamination exists in the system,” said Kenny Keel, Pender County Utilities director. “Upon the completion of the testing on Wednesday morning, we will provide a further update on the boil water advisory status.”

The PCU staff is working with other area water utilities to assist with the water supply issues in the area.

“Pender County commissioners and administration have been working to address infrastructure issues as the county continues to experience tremendous growth,” said Randell Woodruff, county manager. “Our staff has been working on options to maintain and keep up with the growth in population.”

PCU customers in Hampstead, Scotts Hill, and areas south of 7390 NC 210 in the far eastern and southern portions of Rocky Point, east of the Northeast Cape Fear River are in the impacted areas.

Customers are strongly urged to conserve water. Do not wash cars, water lawns, and only use appliances such as clothes washers when filled. Customers are also advised to boil all water used for human consumption – including drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation – or use bottled water. Vigorous boiling for one minute should kill any disease-causing organisms that may be present in the water due to low pressure.

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