Boil Water Advisory Lifted for North Forsyth Customers

Forsyth County officials updated residents on Friday that the precautionary boil water advisory issued on December 25 for customers served by the north high pump station has been lifted. The advisory had been issued after a frozen pump station valve caused low or no water pressure, a condition that can increase the risk of contamination in a public water system.

County testing crews completed water quality sampling after service conditions were restored, and those tests indicated the water met safety standards and did not require boiling. The county said the advisory was lifted only after confirming results showed safe drinking water. Residents with remaining questions are directed to Forsyth County water and sewer contacts and the county website for further information.

Boil water advisories are a standard public health precaution when pressure drops in a distribution system, because loss of pressure can allow contaminants to enter service lines. For households, such advisories disrupt drinking water use, food preparation, and hygiene practices. They also further strain families with limited resources who may rely on single points of access for safe water or who cannot easily obtain bottled supplies.

The incident highlights vulnerabilities in aging water infrastructure and the consequences of extreme weather events on essential services. A single frozen valve at a high priority pump station led to a precautionary advisory for a portion of the county, underscoring the need for routine maintenance, targeted winterization of critical equipment, and investments in system resilience to prevent similar disruptions.

At the community level, timely communication and clear guidance are essential to protect public health and reduce burdens on households and businesses. While test results show water is safe to drink without boiling, public health officials advise residents to follow any additional steps recommended by county water and sewer staff if they notice continued low pressure, discolored water, or other service issues.

This episode is a reminder that water systems are a public health priority and that outages or service interruptions can disproportionately affect elderly residents, low income families, and others with limited options. Forsyth County encourages residents to consult the county website for contact information and updates regarding water and sewer services.