FLORENCE, S.C. – The city announced Thursday night that it has lifted its boil-water advisory.
Earlier in the day, officials said the city was getting a handle on its water problems.
The city was able to start its surface water plant about 9 p.m. Wednesday and, as of late Thursday morning, it was operating at 3-4 million gallons a day, said Drew Griffin, Florence city manager.
Water pressure in the city’s system dropped starting about 4 a.m. Wednesday and left many customers without service.
"With the effects of (Hurricane) Florence, the [Great] Pee Dee River has changed dramatically in water quality both as a result of debris and sediment in the river itself but also in the chemical makeup of the river and the alkalinity of the river," Florence Mayor Stephen Wukela said during a Wednesday afternoon news conference.
"That has wreaked havoc as our treatment plant has tried to keep up with the changing water and its effects.” The surface water plant provides 4 million to 5 million gallons per day of the city’s demand of 10 million to 12 million gallons per day, Griffin and Wukela indicated during the news conference.
Bruce and Lee Foundation Library on South Dargan Street.
Florence School District 1 students Thursday morning started classes two hours late.
The biggest problem for schools is that their bathroom fixtures are designed to work on high pressure and low volume to conserve water.
As of Thursday morning water in the system had risen from a psi in the mid-30s to high 40s, Griffin said.