Boil Water Advisory

Although it is rare, the City of Lenoir Public Utilities Department sometimes has to issue a boil water advisory for the safety of our customers. This may be due to a malfunction at the water treatment plant, a water line break, or some other cause.

If the City issues a boil water advisory, staff will notify the public and media via CodeRED, the City website, and social media channels.

A pot of boiling water

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Who are City of Lenoir water customers?

City of Lenoir boil water advisories would affect customers of the following water systems in the county.

  • City of Lenoir
  • Town of Hudson
  • Baton Water Corporation
  •  Caldwell County
  • Joyceton Waterworks
  • Town of Sawmills

The City of Lenoir owns and operates the water and wastewater systems in Lenoir and Hudson. The City manages those systems and directly bills customers on those systems. The City sells bulk water to Baton Water Corporation,  Caldwell County, Joyceton Waterworks, and Town of Sawmills.

Boil Water Steps

  • Use bottled or boiled water for drinking, and to prepare and cook food.
  • Bring water to a full rolling boil for 1 minute. After boiling, allow the water to cool before use.
  • Boil tap water even if it is filtered (for example, by a home water filter or a pitcher that filters water).
  • Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water line, such as ice and water from a refrigerator.
  • Breastfeeding is the best infant feeding option. If you formula feed your child, provide ready-to-use formula, if possible.

Handwashing

  • You can use tap water and soap to wash hands during a boil water advisory. Be sure to dry your hands well after washing.
  • Be sure to scrub your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Then, rinse them well under running water.
  • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Bathing and showering

  • You can take a bath or shower, but be careful not to swallow any water.
  • Use caution when bathing babies and young children. Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water.

Brushing teeth

  • Brush teeth with boiled or bottled water. Do not use tap water that you have not boiled first.

Washing dishes

  • If possible, use disposable plates, cups, and utensils during a boil water advisory.

Household dishwashers generally are safe to use if:

  • The water reaches a final rinse temperature of at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit (66°Celsius), or
  • The dishwater has a sanitizing cycle.
  • Sanitize all baby bottles.

To wash dishes by hand:

  • Wash and rinse the dishes as you normally would using hot water.
  • In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water.
  • Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least one minute.
  • Let the dishes air dry completely before using again.

Laundry

  • It is safe to wash clothes as usual.

Cleaning

  • Clean washable toys and surfaces with:
    • Bottled water,
    • Boiled water, or
    • Water that has been disinfected with bleach (PDF)

Caring for pets

  • Pets can get sick from some of the same germs as people or spread germs to people. Give pets bottled water or boiled water that has cooled. Follow the boil water steps above.

Caring for your garden and houseplants

  • You can use tap water for household plants and gardens.

Well Water

  • Residents who have well water can use their water as normal. Well water is not municipal water.