SANFORD, N.C. — A Lee County boil-water advisory remains in effect for TriRiver Water customers along six roads in the Sanford area after water samples tested positive for total coliform bacteria.
The affected roads are:
- Eakes Road
- Cedar Lane Road
- Hancock Road
- Blakely Road
- Old Jefferson Davis Highway
- Oakleaf Road
Customers in the affected area should vigorously boil water intended for human consumption for at least one minute before using it.
What Customers Should Do
TriRiver Water says the precaution applies to water used for drinking, making ice, preparing food, brushing teeth and washing dishes. Customers may also use bottled water until the Lee County boil-water advisory is lifted.
Water should be brought to a vigorous boil and allowed to boil for at least one full minute. Residents should then allow the water to cool before using it or storing it in a clean container.
The advisory was initially issued for Oakleaf Road on Saturday, August 8. After additional testing found total coliform bacteria in water serving the other listed roads, the affected area was expanded.
E. Coli Testing Has Been Negative
TriRiver Water reports that testing for E. coli has been negative. Total coliform bacteria are naturally present in the environment and are generally not harmful themselves.
However, the presence of total coliform bacteria can indicate that other potentially harmful organisms may be present in the water system. The Lee County boil-water advisory was issued as a precaution while additional testing is completed.
TriRiver Water crews are flushing the system and continuing to test water samples for both E. coli and total coliform bacteria.
When Could the Advisory Be Lifted?
Another round of samples was scheduled for Monday afternoon, with results expected Tuesday afternoon. TriRiver Water said the Lee County boil-water advisory could be lifted if those samples return negative results.
Customers should continue following the boiling instructions until TriRiver Water issues an official notice confirming that the advisory has ended. The utility says customers should expect another alert when the water is cleared for normal use.
Residents can monitor service alerts and register for email or text notifications through the TriRiver Water website.
Source: Sandhills News, using information provided by TriRiver Water. Advisory status verified August 11, 2026.
