07/18/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2026
Anson County Lifts County-Wide Boil Water Advisory
Following Successful Water System Restoration
WADESBORO, NC – Anson County Government, in coordination with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), has lifted the Boil Water Advisory effective immediately for customers served directly by the Anson County water system in the unincorporated areas of Anson County. The County also supplies treated water to the municipal water systems serving Ansonville, Lilesville, McFarlan, Morven, Peachland, Polkton, and Wadesboro. While the County provides treated water to these municipalities, each municipality is responsible for issuing and lifting advisories for its own water distribution system. Customers served by municipal water systems should follow guidance issued by their respective municipality regarding any local Boil Water Advisories.
The advisory was lifted following the completion of repairs to the county’s water system, restoration of system pressure, extensive flushing operations, and multiple rounds of water quality testing. Laboratory results have confirmed that the water system meets all applicable state drinking water requirements and is safe for normal water use.
“Restoring water service was only the first part of the process; ensuring that water was safe for our residents was the priority,” said Nick Addison, Assistant County Manager & Planning Director. “Our teams and partners worked continuously to repair, stabilize, flush, and test the system so we could confidently lift the Boil Water Advisory once water quality requirements were met. This response required an extraordinary level of coordination, and I am grateful for the commitment shown by our utility crews, county employees, local governments, partner agencies, contractors, and residents. The patience and cooperation of our community played an important role in allowing us to safely complete this recovery effort.”
Since the water system failure occurred, more than 40 agencies, organizations, and private-sector partners have assisted with response and recovery efforts. Assistance included emergency water distribution, technical support, water system repairs, laboratory testing, traffic control, emergency management coordination, and direct assistance to affected residents.
Throughout the response, logistical teams successfully received and distributed more than 300 pallets of bottled water to residents across Anson County. County officials extend their sincere gratitude to the volunteer fire departments, utility professionals, local governments, state agencies, non-profit partnerships, private sector, and numerous individuals who contributed to the community response throughout this incident.
“The past several days have tested our community, but they have also shown what makes Anson County special,” said Jamie Caudle, Chairman of the Anson County Board of Commissioners. “I want to thank our residents for their patience and their willingness to work together during this difficult time. I am especially grateful to our utility crews, county employees, volunteer fire departments, state partners, local governments, and businesses who answered the call and worked tirelessly to help our neighbors. Your dedication and commitment to this community did not go unnoticed.”
“The response to this incident began within hours of the initial system failure and continued until safe drinking water was restored to our community,” said Rodney Diggs, Emergency Services Chief. “Through the support of our emergency management partners, state agencies, local governments, volunteer fire departments, non-profit partners, and private-sector organizations, we were able to bring an extraordinary amount of resources to Anson County. Their commitment and coordination were critical to helping our community recover.”
While the Boil Water Advisory has been lifted, customers may continue to notice a chlorine odor or taste in the water as a result of the disinfection process used during system restoration. This is expected and remains within safe drinking water standards.
Anson County will continue normal operations of the water system and will work with its partners to complete a comprehensive After-Action Review of the incident. The review will evaluate the response, identify lessons learned, and determine opportunities to strengthen future emergency response and public communication efforts.
Anson County Government thanks all residents for their patience, cooperation, and resilience during this unprecedented water emergency.
# # #
