Boil water notice issued for Macon County residents

MACON COUNTY, Ala. (WRBL) — A mechanical failure in one of Macon County’s wells has left residents in parts of the county without safe drinking water, prompting a boil water notice and an ongoing emergency water distribution effort coordinated by local officials.

The Macon County Water Authority confirmed the issue began earlier this week when a mechanical problem caused one of the county’s wells to go offline. The well has since been repaired, but officials say water service remains unsafe for consumption while mandatory water quality testing is conducted.

Testing results are expected by Friday, but until then, residents are being urged not to drink or use tap water without first boiling it for at least one full minute. The precaution applies to any water used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or washing dishes.

The Macon County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is working alongside partners and volunteers to provide emergency bottled water to affected residents. Distribution begins at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday.

Residents must bring a valid photo ID and a recent utility bill showing their address to receive water. EMA officials say water deliveries are arriving throughout the day, with distribution sites announced as they become available.

The boil water notice and outage affect several major areas, including County Roads 10, 22, 24, 26, 33, 43, 44, 63, 69, 71, 79, 89, 91, 5, Highway 80, 29 North, and Renfro Road.

Officials with both agencies apologized for the inconvenience and thanked residents for their patience as repairs and testing continue.

“We sincerely appreciate everyone’s cooperation as we work to restore safe, reliable water service to the community,” the Macon County Water Authority said in a joint statement with the EMA.

Residents can follow the Macon County Emergency Management Agency and the Macon County Water Authority on Facebook for the latest updates.