Kannapolis school district to dismiss early after E. coli found in city drinking water

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (WBTV) - A Kannapolis school district dismissed early on Friday after E. coli was found in the city’s drinking water.

Kannapolis City Schools announced Friday, April 24, that area schools would dismiss early; dismissal times and the affected schools are listed below.

• McKnight and Kannapolis Middle School: 11:00 a.m.
• A.L. Brown High School – 11:30 a.m.
• All elementary schools – 12:00 p.m.

Officials said water service at the schools was turned off “out of an abundance of caution,” adding that once all students are safely off campus, staff will then be dismissed.

Boil water advisory

Due to E. coli detected in the city’s drinking water, a boil water advisory was issued.

Officials said the city is flushing and treating the water system to eliminate contaminants; however, residents are urged to boil all water used for human consumption “until further notice.”

The detection was called a “temporary issue,” and the advisory is expected to be lifted within 24 hours once the water is confirmed free of contaminants, officials said.

City officials released the following statement:

“Our Water Resources Department works diligently 24/7 to ensure that we have safe drinking water. We take dozens of test samples daily to check and double check the quality of our water.”

“Our testing systems worked and as soon as we knew there was an issue we reported to the state and began the processes needed to flush and clean our water. Once the state confirmed the finding of contaminants and made the decision that the boil notice was necessary we began the process of communicating that message.”

“Our top priority is to always provide the best service possible to our residents and customers and to communicate as quickly as we can. We hope you will be patient with us as we go thru the next 24 hours. We are doing everything we can to resolve the issue.”

What to do during a boil water advisory

A boil water advisory means the water may contain harmful germs, including E. coli, a bacteria that can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting — especially in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

What residents should do:

• Boil tap water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, and preparing food or baby formula. Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute, then let it cool.
• Use boiled or bottled water to wash fruits, vegetables, and anything that might be swallowed.
• Do not use tap water to make ice, mix drinks, or rinse dishes unless it has been boiled (or run through a sanitizing dishwasher cycle).
• For bathing and handwashing, tap water is typically OK, but avoid swallowing water and supervise kids; consider bottled/boiled water for brushing teeth.