Magnolia, NC Issues Boil Water Advisory After E. coli Contamination
DUPLIN COUNTY, N.C. – The town of Magnolia is advising all residents and those passing through to avoid drinking the municipal water supply after the discovery of E. coli. This urgent advisory has left many local residents and businesses deeply concerned.
“It worries me a lot because it’s an endangerment to me and an endangerment to the people of my community,” stated Steven Phillips, a Magnolia resident, expressing the widespread anxiety.
Community Responds to Water Contamination Concerns
Town officials are urging everyone to exercise extreme caution when using town water. The primary directive is to boil water for at least one minute to effectively eliminate the bacteria before consumption or use.
The discovery of E. coli was made on Tuesday following a laboratory test. In response, town manager Charles Banks immediately traveled to Wilmington with water samples to facilitate further investigation into the contamination.
The news has prompted many residents to take extra precautions, significantly impacting daily routines and local businesses.
Local Businesses Implement Safety Measures
Among those affected is a family-run bakery, Merary’s Bakery, which has had to adapt its operations to ensure safety.
“We boil our water before we use it so it can be better for our clients. We use like three liters of water for every type of bread mix, so yeah, it concerns us,” explained Dejan Sanches, an employee at Merary’s Bakery, highlighting the operational challenges.
Other local vendors have opted for even more drastic measures. The ‘Small Towns’ gas station and diner, for instance, decided to temporarily cease selling food altogether due to the water advisory.
Town Officials Initiate Investigation and Remediation
The town distributed an official notice to both businesses and residents. This notice informed the community about the necessity of boiling water before consumption and explained that E. coli contamination can result from human or animal waste entering the drinking water source.
Magnolia resident Steven Phillips recounted his surprise upon discovering the advisory: “So I just came back into town last night from Texas, and I get home this morning, probably around 11 o’clock. I saw a note on my door that’s about the E. coli. So when I saw the sign, the E. coli kind of surprised me and scared me a little bit too.”
Understanding E. coli Risks and Health Advisory
Exposure to E. coli can lead to various gastrointestinal issues. The town’s notice specifically lists the following potential symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
The town strongly advises anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.
Path Forward: Resolution and Ongoing Investigation
According to the official notice, town officials anticipate resolving the issue within a week. However, the exact cause and entry point of the E. coli into the water supply remain unknown. Town officials are currently collaborating with state authorities to identify and eliminate the source of the contamination, ensuring the safety of the community’s drinking water.
