Precautionary Boil Water Advisory Issued for Some Greer CPW Customers

Precautionary Boil Water Advisory Issued for Some Greer CPW Customers

May 29, 2024 | 04:01PM

By David Dykes

Greer, South Carolina

Officials with the Greer Commission of Public Works (CPW) are advising some residents in Greer, South Carolina, to boil their water before using it. Officials said the advisory is being issued because of a 24-inch water transmission line break near Highway 14 and Chandler Road that occurred around 10:45 am on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. The boil water advisory is being issued as a precautionary measure, the officials said. They said residents in the area may experience low water pressure or no water at all while repairs are made. Highway 14 between Wade Hampton Boulevard and Country Club Road was closed to traffic while crews make repairs.

Affected Areas

CPW is advising customers in the Wade Hampton Boulevard radius from Tryon Street to Highway 80 to Highway 290/Duncan and near Greer Golf to boil their water at least one minute before drinking or cooking. Approximately 9,900 customers are under the advisory.

“We are working to restore water completely, but as a precaution, we are issuing a boil water advisory for our customers in those areas,” said Stephen Kennette, CPW’s water filter plant manager. Kennette added, “If you had low or no pressure, you should boil your water until sampling comes back to confirm water is safe to drink.”

SC DHEC requires water utilities to issue a boil water advisory as a precautionary measure when an event occurs that allows the possibility for bacteria to enter the public water system. Officials said low-pressure events, like the one experienced in Greer, could allow bacteria in soil and groundwater to enter water pipes through cracks or leaks. Officials said CPW was working to restore service, although it could take 8-10 hours to isolate the problem, make repairs, and flush water lines. Drivers were encouraged to avoid the area for the next two days.

Testing and Resolution

Following repairs, CPW will test the drinking water to ensure that no harmful bacteria is present. Officials said results will be available 24 hours after repairs are made and lines flushed. Upon confirmation that the water is safe, the precautionary advisory will be lifted, the officials said.

Residents are also urged to inform their neighbors about this situation who may not receive this information. News about lifting the boil water advisory will be posted at www.greercpw.com, and on CPW’s social media pages.

More Information

More information about boil water advisories can be found at: https://www.greercpw.com/faq/#water.