WATER QUALITY FAQs
BOIL WATER ALERT LIFTED FOR ALL NEWPORT UTILITIES CUSTOMERS
Date: 10/08/2024
Time: 12:00 p.m.
On September 27th, Newport Utilities issued a Boil Water Notice to all water customers following the Hurricane Helene-related flooding. That notice required customers to boil their water prior to consumption, and to take extra precautions when conducting household activities. As of October 8th, 2024 at 12:00 p.m., that Boil Water Alert has been lifted for all Newport Utilities water customers. Customers are no longer required to boil water before consumption or take precautions when conducting household activities.
Newport Utilities water crews have made repairs to damage caused by the flooding in order to restore water to all service areas. Crews and lab technicians have conducted necessary sample testing throughout all service areas to ensure the quality of our water for our customers. NU has provided notification to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), who mandates Boil Water Alerts to all water utilities throughout the state of Tennessee, of our laboratory sampling results. These results indicate that our water no longer requires boiling prior to use, and is now completely safe for consumption.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Newport Utilities Customer Service at (423)625-2800 or CustomerService@NewportUtilities.com.
Date distributed: 10-08-2024.
Here are answers to customers’ Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Do we still have to boil our water before drinking?
A: No. The Boil Water Alert has been lifted for all customers.
Q: Do we still have to conserve water?
A: No. The Water Conservation Alert was lifted for all customers on October 4, 2024.
Q: What actions were taken to lift the Boil Water Alert?
A: Newport Utilities water crews have made repairs to our Raw Water Intake System and water distribution lines since the initial flooding on September 27th, 2024. After water was transmitting to all service areas, crews and lab technicians conducting sampling throughout the entirety of our water system to ensure the quality of our water. NU provided TDEC a notification of industry-standard water quality lab results and was then able to lift the Boil Water Alert for all customers on NU’s water system.
Q: Where can I learn about the standards that NU must follow for water quality?
A: You can learn more about the quality standards in our annual Water Quality Report here: https://newportutilities.com/wp-content/uploads/2023_Water_Quality.pdf
Q: Can I turn on my water heater?
A: Yes. Please allow your water heater to fill up completely before re-energizing, and flush the cold lines to remove any remaining debris and prevent damage to your water heater.
Q: What if I still don’t have water?
A: All water service is restored at this time throughout our system. If you do not have water at your residence, please contact our Customer Service department to report an issue: (423)625-2800 or CustomerService@NewportUtilities.com
Q: What other steps can I take to ensure my water is safe to drink?
A: We recommend running all cold water taps for five minutes to remove any excess debris or buildup in your pipes. Begin with the lowest-elevation faucet (or first in your home), and then proceed with the other faucets one at a time. Move from the lowest floor in your home or business to the highest for best results. After five minutes, turn off your faucets in reverse order (highest to lowest). You should also flush any appliances that use water to prevent any damage to the appliance (fridge water lines, clothes and dish washer water lines, water dispensers, etc.). We also recommend replacing the filter in any water dispensers and dumping any ice made prior to the Boil Water Alert being lifted.
Q: Why is my water cloudy?
A: Cloudy water is normal for all water systems from time-to-time, especially after flooding or heavy rains. Cloudy water is the result of water with a high air-bubble content; this often occurs after a water outage when air, rather than water, has been pushed through the pipe system. This occurrence is called “entrained air” and does not affect the quality of your water; it is completely safe to consume. Crews continue to flush water lines to remove excess air. If this issue does not resolve within a week, please call or email Customer Service: (423) 625-2800 or CustomerService@NewportUtilities.com
Q: Why is my water discolored?
A: Discolored water is normal for all water systems from time-to-time. Sedimentation occurs in water lines after flooding and heavy rains. Sedimentation is caused by corrosion and increased pressure around the pipes; it is not harmful to consume, but we would recommend waiting to do laundry so as to avoid staining. If you notice discolored water, please wait for 30-40 minutes and then run the cold water in your bathtubs and sinks for 1-2 minutes. You should notice that the water begins to clear up. If this issue does not resolve within a few days, please contact Customer Service: (423)625-2800 or CustomerService@NewportUtilities.com