Boil-water advisory lifted in metro area after winter storms

A boil-water advisory put in place in Memphis, Tennessee, after a winter storm caused water main breaks and problems at pumping stations was lifted by the local utility Thursday.

Officials with Memphis Light, Gas & Water said the city’s 650,000 residents no longer need to boil water for drinking, cooking and brushing teeth after crews made repairs to the water system and testing revealed no evidence of contamination.

Freezing temperatures and accumulations of snow and ice from three winter storms starting Feb. 11 led to ruptures in water mains and service lines, and problems with wells and pumping stations. Wells failed and several reservoirs froze, and engines and motors at pumping stations overheated.

Officials had been concerned that low water pressure in the system could lead to contamination from bacteria, and a boilwater advisory was issued Feb. 18.

MLGW is asking about 257,000 homes and business to continue to conserve water though 10 a.m. Friday.

The boil-water notice led residents to flock to stores to buy bottled water. Free bottled water was offered at several locations in the city over the past week.