FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — The City of Florence issued a boil water advisory Thursday for water customers in the Pine Forest, Olde Mill and Parkwood subdivisions.
According to Utilities Director Josh Whittington, water service has been disrupted after a contractor damaged a water main in the area. Whittington said utility crews are on-site making the necessary repairs and that the boil water advisory will take effect once water service is restored.
City officials advise affected customers to boil tap water vigorously for 1 minute before using it for drinking or cooking.
Whittington said there has been no confirmed contamination of the water system. However, because of the loss of pressure, there is a slight potential for bacteriological contamination. He said the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, or SCDES, requires the advisory as a precaution whenever an event occurs that could allow bacteria to enter the water system.
Customers in the affected area should continue to boil their water vigorously for at least 1 full minute before drinking or cooking until notified by the City of Florence that the advisory has been lifted. Any ice made from water that has not been boiled should not be used for drinking.
The advisory is a precautionary measure to protect public health until testing confirms the water is safe to drink. Because the water quality is unknown at this time, customers are urged to take appropriate precautions.
According to Whittington, bacteriological test results are expected to be completed by July 11, 2026.
At that time, the City of Florence will notify customers about the status of the boil water advisory.
For more information, call the City of Florence at (843) 665-3236 or SCDES at (843) 661-4825.