April 28, 2026
Statement on Boil Water Notice
We would like to provide you with information on how the Boil Water situation evolved and what next steps are being taken by the City.
The Water Resources Department conducts tests on the Kannapolis water supply continuously. The tests are done using water taken from outdoor areas, usually spigots or water meter boxes from randomly rotating selected areas around the City.
A test on April 23 was positive for E Coli in one of the samples. The test results were sent to the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for further analysis and direction for city staff. In accordance with state guidance and protocols, a repeat sample was taken to verify the positive e coli result and that analysis took an additional 24 hours.
On April 24, city staff determined that the repeat sample was positive and immediately notified the NCDEQ and began flushing the distribution system. DEQ advised on April 24 at 9:47 a.m. that in an overabundance of caution the City would need to go on a Boil Water Notice until a set of over 60 samples could be collected and analyzed as negative for the e coli contaminants.
As soon as the City was notified of the state’s decision City officials began mobilizing. State officials began communicating with Cabarrus Health Alliance and the Rowan County Health Departments.
Information from state officials and the health departments on what steps residents and businesses needed to take was conveyed to the City. The health teams coordinate with schools, hospitals, restaurants and others while city officials began communications with Cabarrus and Rowan County emergency management officials, the public and other stakeholders.
As soon as this critical information was received it was conveyed to stakeholders and communications methods were utilized to share it with the public.
News releases, social media, email newsletters, and a Reverse 911 call were sent by the City and other stakeholders to the public and media outlets in the region. Updates were provided as soon as they were available from DEQ and the health departments.
Simultaneously, City emergency management staff established a plan for water distribution to the public. By 2 p.m. the first cases of water were handed out to residents.
Throughout the day on April 25 water samples began coming in as negative, which meant the water was indeed safe. At 5:03 p.m. the last sample was declared negative and the DEQ advised the Boil Notice could be lifted. City officials and stakeholders were given instructions from DEQ and the health departments on how to advise the public to begin using their water again.
Communications were prepared and distributed to the public by 5:50 p.m.
We understand that this was a very difficult time for the City. There are a variety of things that could be the cause of e coli and at this time we do not know the source of this incident. Water is a precious commodity, and we do not take lightly our commitment to providing the highest quality water to our residents and businesses. The City has invited DEQ and an independent engineering firm to review the situation and identify any causes or steps that need to be taken to prevent this from occurring again.
For more information on e coli visit:
www.cabarrushealth.org
Health Department | Rowan County