FLORENCE, SC (WMBF) – Officials in Florence said there were system-wide problems with the city’s water system Friday.

In a statement, the city said the problems were caused by flooding from Tropical Storm Debby, “which occurred upstream of the city’s raw water intake on the Pee Dee River. The city’s surface water treatment plant began receiving water that contained high levels of organic matter.”

“The plant’s usual concentrations of chemicals used for treatment could not be maintained and did not allow the city to produce drinking water,” the city added.

Officials said the city’s surface water treatment plant had to be shut down to allow water to bypass the water intake point. City officials say crews are currently in the process of draining the plant and will begin removing and treating the water once it is complete.

The city said its water customers “will experience low or no water pressure and possible discoloration” but expects the plant to be back in service Friday afternoon.

However, once normal water pressure is restored, there will be a system-wide boil water advisory as a precautionary measure. Although the city said there has been no confirmed contamination of the system, there is a small risk of bacteriological contamination from the loss of pressure.

“Water customers should continue to vigorously boil their water for at least one minute before drinking or using it for cooking until the City of Florence issues a directive to do so. Ice made from unboiled water should not be used for drinking,” the city said in a statement about the directive.

Anyone with questions is asked to call the City of Florence at (843) 665-3236 or the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services at (843) 661-4825.

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