Florence Water System Encounters Low Pressure Amid Aftermath of Hurricane Debby
FLORENCE, S.C. – Unsettled Organic Material in the Great Pee Dee River Brought on by Hurricane Debby Causes Low Water Pressure
The beautiful city of Florence, S.C., found itself grappling with an unusual issue on Friday – an unexpected low water pressure plaguing the entire city’s water system. The seemingly sudden hiccup in the system was a consequence of Hurricane Debby, which had stirred up organic material in the Great Pee Dee River, the primary water source for the city’s treatment plant.
City Officials Declare Terse Statement
The city responded to the situation by issuing a statement, shedding light on the issue. The announcement detailed that the flooding triggered by Hurricane Debby led to high organic matter content in the water at the city’s raw water intake along the Pee Dee River.
The water treatment plant was unable to maintain and produce potable water with its typical chemical levels due to the heightened organic material. The unwanted circumstance prompt the plant’s shutdown earlier on Friday to enable the organic matter to flow past the water intakes. This, in turn, led to city water customers experiencing low to no water pressure and possible water discoloration.
The Boil-Water Advisory and its Implications
As efforts are being made to empty the facility of water and treat the river water again, the city has issued an advisory due to a slight risk of bacterial contamination. As a mandatory precautionary measure mandated by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), a boil-water advisory has been put out.
The advisory explicitly advises that water should be rigorously boiled for at least a full minute prior to its use for drinking or cooking. Also, ice made from water not boiled should be avoided for drinking purposes. The advisory will be repealed once the water has been tested and deemed safe for consumption, potentially as soon as Saturday, and city water customers will be notified accordingly.
City Urges Patience During the Unforeseen Circumstance
While the water pressure issue persists, several businesses have decided to remain closed, including one local library, which announced an early closure. City officials expressed gratitude for the public’s understanding and patience and are committed to resolving the water pressure issue at the earliest.
Impending Results Eagerly Awaited
The public is eagerly awaiting results and the green light that the water is good to drink and cook with. Florence residents are hopeful that their lives and routines will return back to normal soon, as the city works tirelessly to rectify the situation swiftly and efficiently.
