E. coli concerns prompt warning to boil drinking water in Kannapolis, city says

Contaminants that carry E. coli bacteria were found in Kannapolis drinking water, prompting the city to warn residents to boil water before drinking, according to an April 24 news release.

“The city’s processes of cleaning and treating our drinking water should have eliminated these contaminants with no detrimental issues for the public,” city officials said.

“However, per North Carolina regulations we are informing you that the contaminants were found, and we are flushing and treating all city water to further ensure the contaminants are eliminated. This is believed to be a temporary issue and tests will be done within 24 hours to ensure the water is free of contaminants.”

Water customers are advised to “vigorously” boil water for at least one minute to kill disease-causing organisms. This includes drinking water, water used for brushing teeth, washing for washing dishes and water for food preparation, officials said.

“We anticipate that the advisory will be lifted within 24 hours. We will distribute a notice when it is safe to stop boiling water,” city officials said.

“Kannapolis residents will be able to receive bottles of water today at the Kannapolis Fire Department Logistics Building located at 933 Floyd Street. If you have any questions, please call the City of Kannapolis at 704-920-4444.”

E. coli are bacteria that indicate water “may be contaminated with human or animal wastes,” experts say.

Symptoms of infection include: diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, vomiting and fever, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children under age 5 and people over age 65 are at greatest risk for infection, the CDC says.

Kannapolis is about a 26-mile drive northeast from Charlotte.

This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 1:32 PM.