The Cabarrus Health Alliance announced that E. coli has been detected in the water system, prompting an immediate boil water notice for all customers who receive Kannapolis water.
Because of the contamination, health officials have suspended operations for all permitted restaurants and food service establishments served by the affected water system.
They have also issued safety guidance to hospitals, nursing homes, long‑term care facilities, tattoo establishments, and other regulated sites to ensure proper precautions are in place.
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Friday afternoon, Channel 9 spoke with several local restaurants that had to close following the advisory, including Flyin’ Buffalo, Chophouse 101, Town House II, and The Pub.
Several businesses have told Channel 9 that they were not notified by the city that there was a boil water advisory issued. Some businesses have said they found out about the advisory after schools were dismissed and that they struggled to reach city officials by phone.
Officials with Cabarrus County reported that they have had some facilities affected by the Kannapolis water advisory.
Cabarrus County has announced the closure of Vietnam Veterans Park, The Milestone and Cannon Department of Social Services locations, The Kannapolis Public Library Branch, and The Library and Active Living Center at Afton Ridge.
Residents are advised to watch for symptoms of E. coli exposure—including stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever—and to seek medical care for severe or prolonged illness.
Anyone unsure of their water source is urged to use bottled water until they can confirm.
Kannapolis City Schools dismissed students early after the advisory was issued for the area.
Kannapolis Water Resources Department announced Friday morning that they determined that contaminants carrying E. Coli bacteria were found in the city drinking water.
Officials said city’s water processed for cleaning should have eliminated the contaminants and the water should cause no detrimental issues for the public.
In accordance to NC regulations, the city is flushing and treating all water and has asked all residents to boil any drinking water.
Channel 9 saw empty shelves in a Kannapolis Food Lion where bottled water would usually be held.
School officials announced Friday morning that water services to all school sites have been turned off out of an abundance of caution.
All of the schools are being dismissed before noon.
McKnight and Kannapolis Middle Schools were dismissed at 11 a.m. A.L. Brown High School students were dismissed at 11:30 a.m. and all elementary schools were dismissed at noon.
Parents and guardians were asked to prepare for early pick-ups or bus arrival times.
Officials said that staff will stay on site until all students are safely transported off campus.
Cabarrus County schools also shut off water at several schools including Royal Oaks School of the Arts, Charles E. Boger Elementary, Winecoff Elementary, Northwest Cabarrus High School, Northwest Cabarrus STEM Middle School, and the Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College.
The schools have not been closed, and bottled water has been made available to students and staff, officials said.
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Friday evening, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality revealed that an immediate boil water advisory was issued for more than 400 customers who receive water from Kannapolis.
These customers live in limited areas north of I‑85 and NC‑73, and the city is directly contacting them while also providing maps online to confirm who is affected.
All other Concord water customers remain fully unaffected and do not need to boil their water.
Officials emphasize that the issue appears temporary, with Kannapolis crews flushing and treating the system and expecting clearer test results within 24 hours.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.
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