Market Common area under ‘boil water notice’ after water main repair

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - The City of Myrtle Beach issued a “boil water notice” after a water main break Wednesday night.

The city said a 12-inch water main break occurred on Howard Avenue, affecting hundreds of customers in several of the Market Common area neighborhoods.

“Myrtle Beach’s Public Works staff worked late into the night to repair the main, completing the work at 3 a.m. today,” said city spokesperson Mark Kruea.

The city said because the water system was opened during the break and repair, “boil water notices” will be distributed Thursday morning until testing confirms that the water is safe for drinking and cooking.

The advisory is issued to the following streets in the Market Common area:

Suncrest Drive
Silver Spring Lane
Birchwood Circle
Windrose Way
Cresswind Boulevard
WillowCress Lane
MapleCress Way
LaurelCross Drive
McCord Street
Oxford Street
Cart Lane
Bluff Drive
Orchard Drive
Francis Court
Howard Parkway
Airpark Drive
Brewster Drive
Putnam Drive
Barrister Lane
Edgewood Drive
Claremont Court

Residents in the Cresswind neighborhood and took actions Thursday to make sure they have enough water to last through the advisory.

“We’ve been using bottles of water to be able to use it for food and brushing our teeth,” said Karl Lindol.

Another neighbor, Kenneth Beaton, said he took some ice out of his refrigerator and melted it for drinking water.

“This is the first time that anything like this ever happened,” he said. “We’ll boil it before we use it for a few days anyways, but for the drinking part, we’ll use the water that we purchase today.”

The city advises that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes be brought to a rolling boil for one minute. Alternatively, bottled water may be used.

Despite being announced on social media, many Cresswind residents that spoke with WMBF News said they did not text alert from the city about the advisory. Instead, they found out through other neighbors.

There were also instances of neighbors helping neighbors.

“We bought ten and gave two to our neighbors that weren’t able to get out. We wanted to make sure they were okay,” said Lindol.

The advisory could be in effect for up to two days.

Anyone with questions, is asked to call the city at 843-918-2004.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.

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