McCaysville water service restored after days of post-flooding recovery but not safe to drink yet

Days after flash floods put a north Georgia city underwater and had its water system shut off, service is restored.

The McCaysville Police Chief Michael Earley said water service was restored around 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, but the water is not yet safe to drink.

“The City of McCaysville is pleased to announce that our water system is back online. However, we want to make it extremely clear that this water is NOT safe for drinking or consumption at this time,” Earley wrote in an update. “Residents may notice that the water appears brown, cloudy, or milky.”

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For now, water is to only be used for flushing toilets.

“Our water supply remains extremely limited. If everyone begins using water for unnecessary purposes, we risk depleting our storage tanks, which could result in another complete loss of water service,” Earley said. “This would leave residents without the ability to even flush their toilets.”

While waiting further water system updates, Earley said to follow these instructions:

• DO NOT drink or consume the water.
• DO NOT use the water for cooking, bathing, or washing dishes.
• DO NOT use the water to clean your homes or businesses following the flooding.
• DO NOT wash vehicles or use water for any other cleaning purposes.
• ONLY USE WATER WHEN ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY TO FLUSH TOILETS

The chief said safe drinking water is available for anyone in need at McCaysville City Hall at 223 Blue Ridge Drive.

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