Expect more alerts to boil water in Phenix City. Mayor explains why

Phenix City officials have issued a precautionary boil water notice — the second in 17 days — for parts of the city following the discovery of a water main break Monday.

The leak required an emergency shutdown of water service in certain areas, resulting in a loss of pressure in the water distribution system, according to the Tuesday’s news release posted on the city’s website. Officials said this pressure drop may allow contaminants to enter the system, posing substantial health risks.

Impacted areas include:

• Melanie Lane

• Nearby streets intersecting with Melanie Lane

• Surrounding areas.

Until further notice, residents in the affected areas are advised to boil tap water for at least three minutes before using or switch to bottled water for:

• Drinking

• Making ice

• Brushing teeth

• Washing dishes

• Preparing food.

Any stored water, ice or beverages recently made with tap water should be discarded, the Phenix City Utilities Department said in the news release.

The city is working to repair the water main and test samples of water in affected areas for bacteria. Residents will need to continue boiling their water for a few days. The notice will remain active until two consecutive days of testing show the water is safe to drink. After the water passes those tests, residents officially will be notified that they no longer have to boil it, the news release says.

Phenix City Mayor Eddie Lowe told the Ledger-Enquirer boil water notices will become more frequent as the city plans to change lines in the water system. The city could invest up to $15 million in infrastructure, he said. He noted the advisories are simply precautionary measures.

“Safety has to be number one,” Lowe said.

On June 28, officials issued a precautionary boil water notice for several Phenix City streets after finding a water leak. That notice was lifted July 3 after the water main had been repaired and water test results found no bacteria.

Residents should follow the advisories until they have been informed the notice is lifted. According to the news release, inadequately treated water can contain bacteria, viruses and parasites that pose significant health risks. Infants, young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune symptoms especially are vulnerable.

These organisms can cause symptoms such as:

• Diarrhea

• Cramps

• Nausea

• Headaches.

Officials urge residents to share this information with others who drink water in the affected areas.

For more information, call the Phenix City Utilities Dispatch at 334-448-2903 or the Phenix City Water Filter Plant at 334-291-4757.

This story was originally published July 15, 2025 at 11:16 AM.