Boil Water Advisory

A boil water advisory is a public statement advising people to boil their tap water before using it, typically in response to an event that could allow contaminants to enter the water distribution system. Such events include a large water main break, widespread loss of system pressure, or a natural disaster.

Boil water advisories are rarely issued. This is because in most cases, our crews can isolate a main break by closing the nearest valves, then repair the pipe, disinfect it, and flush it before putting it back into service. This prevents contamination from soil and bacteria, which is why boil water advisories are not issued after routine water main repairs.

If we do have to issue a boil water advisory, we will notify the media, post information on this website and on our phone system, and take other appropriate notification measures, such as reverse 911 phone calls.

For More Information

On this page we have linked some of the most frequently asked questions and answers about boil water advisories and notices. 

For more information about Boil Water Advisories or Notices, please contact Williamsburg County Water Authority at 843-355-8997, or visit the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control’s website.