Water Service Interruption and Advisory in Florence, S.C.

News Summary

Florence, S.C. will face a temporary water service interruption on Monday night due to a new water main connection. Affected neighborhoods include Bentree Lane and Holly Circle, along with others. A Boil Water Advisory has been issued for residents to ensure public health. The city will conduct water quality testing, and updates on the advisory will be provided. City officials are addressing concerns as they plan for infrastructure improvements for future growth and water capacity management.

Florence, S.C. will experience a temporary interruption in water service on Monday night as the city connects a new water main along Holly Circle. The work is part of a road-widening project conducted by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and will affect water service from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. in several neighborhoods.

The neighborhoods impacted by this service interruption include Bentree Lane, Willwood Drive, Holly Circle, Lockhaven Drive, Woodland Drive, and the 2200-2400 blocks of West Palmetto Street.

Due to the expected loss of water pressure during this maintenance, the city has issued a Boil Water Advisory for the affected residents. This advisory is a precautionary measure to protect public health, as reduced water pressure may allow bacteria to enter the water system. Residents are advised to boil their water vigorously for at least one minute before consuming it or using it for cooking, until further notice. Additionally, any ice made from unboiled water should be discarded and not used for drinking purposes.

Water quality testing for bacteriological contaminants will be conducted, with results anticipated by Wednesday. The City of Florence has committed to updating customers regarding the status of the boil water advisory as more information becomes available.

City officials have acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the water service interruption and have requested patience from the community during this necessary maintenance period. Florence City Manager has emphasized that the city currently has adequate water capacity despite ongoing complaints regarding discolored water and previous service interruptions.

In response to future growth demands, the City of Florence is planning significant improvements to its water system. Recent approvals for multiple subdivisions in the area are expected to lead to the addition of over 1,900 homes. The city currently allows for the use of 23 million gallons of water per day, with the average use being 16 million gallons per day. To support further infrastructure development and enhance water quality, a $270 million bond has been authorized for the expansion of treatment plants.

Future improvement projects will focus on extending water lines to minimize dead ends in the system, which can further enhance water quality. However, to fund these upcoming projects and necessary improvements, utility bill increases ranging from 9 to 10 percent annually are expected.

Residents may remember experiencing billing issues in November, where some faced double billing due to complications with the city’s auto-pay feature. The city is actively addressing these concerns alongside the larger water service improvements.

For those affected, it is crucial to stay informed about the boil water advisory and follow any updates provided by the City of Florence as maintenance activities proceed.

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HERE Resources

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City of Florence Issues Boil Water Advisory
Florence Expands with New Subdivisions Amidst Water Challenges

Additional Resources

• WPDE: Temporary Water Shut Off in Florence County
• Post and Courier: Florence Water System and County Growth
• SCNow: Boil Water Advisory in Florence
• Google Search: Florence South Carolina Water Advisory
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Water