Newport Utilities: Be aware of misinformation circulating regarding state of water

NEWPORT, Tenn. ( WATE ) — Newport Utilities is warning its customers to be aware of misinformation regarding utility updates as water restoration efforts continue in Cocke County a week after Helene impacted the region .

A notice to customers shared late Thursday and a news release shared early Friday indicated that Newport Utilities customers are asked to continue to follow Water Conservation Protocols and Boil Water Protocols until further notice. The water conservation alert was lifted Friday morning just before 11 a.m.

“Please be aware of misinformation that is circulating regarding the state of our water,” the release stated. “Newport Utilities conforms to all industry standards, including the Tennessee Department of Environmental Resources (TDEC), who mandates Water Conservation and Boil Water notices.”

Friday afternoon, Newport Utilities shared that the Boil Water Alert had been lifted for residents living inside of the Newport city limits following testing that showed all water within the Newport city limits was once again safe to drink. The Boil Water Alert remains in effect for all Newport Utilities customers who live outside the Newport city limits.

Newport Utilities also advised customers in the notice that “the water flowing through our system is not harmful and will not make you sick. The Boil Water Alert is in place out of excess caution, and is mandated by TDEC.”

The statement also clarified that customers are able to bathe in this water, just avoid swallowing the water.

Boil Water Protocols

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated after Newport Utilities rescinded the Boil Water Alert for residents living inside Newport City Limits.

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