Boil Water Advisory Issued for Overton County, Tennessee, Following Water Emergency

WATER ALERT NEWS  ·  NORTH CAROLINA  ·  MARCH 5, 2026

A Chemical Giant Has Been Poisoning a Durham Creek for Years. Regulators Have Yet to Fine Them a Single Dollar.

Toxic chemicals including a likely carcinogen have been flowing from a Brenntag facility into a stream that runs behind an elementary school and through a public park — putting more than a million people’s water supply at risk. Violations have piled up for years. Fines have not.

By Clean Air and Water  ·  Published March 5, 2026  ·  5 minute read

In East Durham, North Carolina, a creek runs behind Burton Elementary School, through Burton Park, and past the backyards of the McDougald Terrace housing community — the oldest and largest public housing development in the city. For at least three years, that creek has been carrying a cocktail of industrial chemicals. And a global chemical company with over $16 billion in annual revenue has yet to pay a single dollar in fines.

The company is Brenntag Mid-South, a subsidiary of Brenntag SE — one of the world’s largest chemical distributors. Its Durham facility, located on East Pettigrew Street, repackages and ships industrial chemicals. State and city regulators have cited it repeatedly for violations. Drums of chemicals have been found rusting, leaking, and lying on their sides during multiple inspections. And water testing has repeatedly found dangerous levels of toxic chemicals flowing off the property and into the local creek.

“You can’t go in there,” one boy told a reporter, pulling his T-shirt collar over his nose. “It stinks.”

Residents have known something was wrong for years. In the summer of 2023, the city fenced off the creek after chemical testing found high levels of acetone, toluene, and ethanol in water at the property boundary. But as recently as January 2026, independent water testing found the contamination was still flowing — and in some cases getting worse.

What’s Actually in the Water?

Testing by Brenntag’s own contractors in December 2025 found more than a dozen chemicals leaving an outfall at the plant’s southern boundary. Three were detected above state regulatory or recommended limits:

• Acetone — a highly flammable solvent. Detected at 3,820 parts per billion (ppb) in the creek behind Burton Elementary in January 2026 — nearly twice North Carolina’s maximum surface water standard.

• 1,4-Dioxane — a likely human carcinogen according to the EPA, used as a solvent stabiliser. Detected above state recommended levels.

• Methylene chloride — a neurotoxin and likely carcinogen used in paint strippers, degreasers, and industrial cleaners. Detected at 124 ppb in January testing by the Haw River Assembly, a local water quality nonprofit. For context, the EPA’s drinking water standard for methylene chloride is 5 ppb — meaning creek levels were nearly 25 times higher than what the EPA considers safe to drink.

⚠️  Key numbers at a glance 3,820 ppb — acetone detected in creek (safe limit: 2,000 ppb) 124 ppb — methylene chloride detected (EPA drinking water limit: 5 ppb) 1,000,000+ residents served by the downstream water supply at Jordan Lake $0 — total fines issued to Brenntag after 2+ years of investigations 3 — number of times inspectors have found leaking or improperly stored chemical drums

Is Durham’s Drinking Water Safe?

This is the most important question — and the answer, for now, is yes. Durham’s drinking water is not sourced from this creek. The city’s water supply comes from Lake Michie and the Little River Reservoir, both confirmed safe by the city’s water utility. The Haw River Assembly, which has been independently monitoring the situation, confirmed in January that drinking water has not been impacted.

However, the contaminated creek does flow downstream into Third Fork Creek and eventually into Jordan Lake — a key drinking water reservoir for more than one million people across the wider region. Regulators and environmental groups are watching closely to ensure contamination does not reach that supply.

The creek flows through a park, past an elementary school, and through a public housing community — before heading toward the reservoir that supplies water to over a million people.

Violations Without Consequences

The contamination problem at this site long predates Brenntag. Since at least the mid-1990s, high levels of chemicals have been detected in groundwater and stormwater runoff at the property. The contamination continued after Brenntag purchased the facility from its predecessor, Southchem, in 2001.

State inspectors have visited multiple times and found serious problems on each occasion:

March 2022: Inspectors found chemical drums lying on their sides, dented, and leaking. The facility lacked a stormwater permit. Inspectors noted there were insufficient barriers to prevent spills from reaching the drainage system.

April 2025: Inspectors returned following a complaint and found rusted drums with compromised containers. Some drums were not properly fastened or closed. One drum showed signs of pressure build-up with a bulging lid.

September 2025: A third inspection found steel drums outside with fluid running down the sides and liquid pooling on top. It was noted this raised questions about contamination across multiple storage pallets.

November 2025: The state issued a formal Notice of Violation after Brenntag failed to clean up the leaking drums. Despite this being at least the third time violations of this kind were documented, no financial penalties have been issued.

A spokesperson for the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality told Inside Climate News, which originally reported this story, that the agency “cannot comment on future enforcement actions” but that it continues working with Brenntag toward compliance. Deadlines for required actions fall in March and May 2026.

A Community That Has Borne the Brunt

McDougald Terrace — the public housing community closest to the contaminated creek — sits in one of the most industrially burdened neighbourhoods in Durham. Within a single mile, residents live alongside two concrete plants, two scrap yards, at least five hazardous waste sites, and multiple locations where oil or gasoline tanks have previously leaked.

This is not the first serious incident at the Brenntag site. In 2020, sulfuric acid from a railcar at the plant sprayed onto vehicles travelling on the nearby Durham Freeway — one driver had her window open and was hit directly. In 2021, a forklift operator accidentally ruptured a plastic container, spilling hydrochloric acid.

Environmental advocates say the pattern is consistent with a well-documented national trend: communities of colour and low-income communities are disproportionately located near industrial facilities, and face the longest waits for regulatory action when problems occur.

“These are real families who will face real health consequences.” — environmental advocates on communities living downstream of chemical contamination

What Happens Next?

The North Carolina DEQ has set compliance deadlines for Brenntag in March and May 2026. Environmental groups including the Haw River Assembly are continuing their independent water quality monitoring and plan to attend upcoming community meetings to discuss next steps.

For residents and water customers in the wider region, authorities say there is no immediate risk to tap water. But with Jordan Lake downstream and testing continuing to show elevated chemical levels in the creek, the situation remains active and closely watched.

Brenntag, on its own website, describes safety as its “top priority” and states that it “never loses sight of the important role safety and protecting the environment plays” in its business. The company has not issued a public statement in response to the January 2026 water testing results.

What You Can Do

If you live in Durham or the wider Jordan Lake watershed: Your tap water is currently safe. The City of Durham’s water supply comes from Lake Michie and Little River Reservoir, both unaffected. You can monitor updates at durhamnc.gov.

If you’re concerned about chemical contamination in your area: The Haw River Assembly (hawriver.org) publishes independent water quality results. The EPA’s ECHO database (echo.epa.gov) lets you search inspection records and violations for any facility near you.

If you want to follow this story: The Haw River Assembly is holding community meetings on the Brenntag situation. Inside Climate News and The Assembly NC have both been covering this in depth.

Sources & Further Reading

Inside Climate News (March 4, 2026) — original investigative report on the latest violations and water testing results

Haw River Assembly — ongoing independent water quality monitoring data (hawriver.org/brenntagdetails)

North Carolina DEQ — state inspection records and Notice of Violation documentation

City of Durham Public Works — administrative orders and monitoring data (durhamnc.gov)

The Assembly NC / Indy Week (August 2025) — background investigation on the history of contamination

Clean Air and Water reports on water quality issues across the United States. This article is based on published inspection records, independent water testing data, and original reporting by Inside Climate News. Drinking water safety information sourced directly from the Haw River Assembly and the City of Durham.ficials

Boil Water Advisory Issued for Overton County, Tennessee, Following Water Emergency

A boil water advisory has been issued for Overton County, Tennessee, following a water system emergency that disrupted normal operations, according to county officials.

The advisory has been put in place as a precautionary measure while water quality testing is carried out. Residents are advised to boil tap water before drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or washing dishes until further notice.

Officials recommend bringing water to a rolling boil for at least three minutes, then allowing it to cool before use. This process helps reduce the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria or other microorganisms that may be present.

What areas are affected?

The advisory applies to all areas of Overton County served by the county’s water system. Officials have reported that some parts of the county are currently experiencing limited or no water service while crews work to locate and repair leaks.

Residents who are unsure whether their address is affected are encouraged to check official county updates or contact local authorities for clarification.

What caused the advisory?

According to county officials, the advisory was issued after a water emergency caused instability within the system. Situations like this can lead to drops in water pressure, which may increase the risk of contamination entering the supply.

As a result, the advisory will remain in place until officials can confirm that the system has stabilized and water quality meets safety standards.

Water distribution for residents

Officials have established potable water distribution sites for residents who are currently without water service. Locations and availability are being shared through local emergency communications.

While this water may be suitable for general use, officials advise that it should still be boiled before consumption unless otherwise stated.

How long will the advisory last?

No estimated end time has been provided. Utilities typically require multiple rounds of water sampling, often taken over at least 24 hours, before a boil water advisory can be safely lifted.

Residents will be notified once testing confirms that the water supply meets regulatory safety requirements.

What should residents do?

Until the advisory is lifted, residents should:

• Boil all tap water before drinking or cooking
• Use bottled water if preferred
• Avoid swallowing water while showering or bathing
• Follow updates from local authorities

This article will be updated as additional verified information becomes available.

Source: WSMV-TV reporting and statements from Overton County officials

Boil Water Notice Issued in Lake County After Frozen Pipes Impact Water Service

A boil water notice has been issued for parts of Lake County, Florida, after frozen pipes damaged infrastructure and affected water service for hundreds of customers.

Officials said the incident impacted more than 800 FGUA customers, prompting the precautionary notice while repairs were made and water quality testing was initiated. Residents in affected areas are advised to boil tap water before using it for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth until the notice is lifted.

Water service has been restored, but the advisory remains in place while laboratory test results are pending.

What residents should know

Bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute before consumption

Use bottled water as an alternative if preferred

Follow official FGUA updates for advisory status

Source: WKMG / Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA)

A boil water advisory has been issued for large portions of Uptown New Orleans following a water main break that caused flooding and a loss of pressure in the local water system.

According to local officials and the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO), the break occurred after a sinkhole formed, damaging infrastructure and disrupting service. As a precaution, residents in affected areas are advised to boil tap water used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and food preparation.

Officials said the advisory is expected to remain in effect at least through Monday, while repairs are completed and water quality testing is carried out.

What residents should do

Boil tap water for at least one minute before drinking or cooking

Use boiled or bottled water for beverages and food preparation

Avoid swallowing tap water while brushing teeth

Tap water may still be used for bathing and household cleaning, provided care is taken not to ingest the water.

Sources: WWLTV / NOLA.com / SWBNO

A boil water advisory has been issued for parts of Brunswick, Ohio, and a small portion of neighboring Strongsville following a water main break earlier today.

Officials said the break led to a drop in water pressure, which can increase the risk of contamination. As a precaution, affected residents are advised to boil tap water before using it for drinking or food preparation until testing confirms the system is safe.

Repair work is underway, and water quality testing will be conducted before the advisory is lifted.

Source: Cleveland.com local reporting

Officials in Rush City, Minnesota, have issued a boil water advisory following a water main break that affected the local water supply earlier today.

The break caused a loss of pressure within the system, prompting the advisory as a precaution while repairs are completed and water samples are tested. Residents are advised to boil water used for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth until officials confirm the water is safe.

City officials said updates will be provided once test results are available and the advisory can be lifted.

Source: KARE 11 reporting

OA boil water advisory has been issued for parts of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, after crews responded to two separate water main breaks that disrupted service earlier today.

According to local officials, the breaks caused a temporary loss of pressure in sections of the water distribution system. As a precaution, residents in affected areas are advised to boil tap water used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice.

Utility crews are working to repair the damaged mains and restore normal service. Water quality testing will be conducted before the advisory can be lifted.

What residents should do

• Boil tap water for at least one minute before consumption
• Use boiled or bottled water for beverages and food preparation
• Avoid swallowing tap water when brushing teeth

Tap water may still be used for bathing and household cleaning, provided it is not ingested.

Source: KFVS12 local reporting

Officials in the Town of Greenburgh, New York, announced that a boil water notice will be issued for affected areas following a water main break that disrupted service earlier this week.

According to town officials, the break caused a loss of pressure in the water system, prompting plans to issue the advisory as a precaution once repairs are completed and flushing begins. Residents in impacted areas will be advised to boil water used for drinking, cooking, and food preparation until water quality testing confirms the system is safe.

The notice is expected to take effect on or shortly after January 19, 2026, depending on repair progress and system conditions.

What residents should know

• Boil water for at least one minute before consumption once the notice is in effect
• Use bottled water as an alternative if preferred
• Follow official updates from the Town of Greenburgh for specific impacted locations

Officials said further details will be released as repairs are completed and the advisory formally begins.

Source: Town of Greenburgh / Westchester County local reporting
Residents should always follow the most recent instructions issued by their local utility.

A boil water order has been issued for customers in Benton Charter Township, Indiana, following a loss of water pressure caused by a water system issue earlier this week.

Local officials announced the order on January 18, 2026, after pressure dropped in parts of the distribution system. As a precaution, residents are being asked to boil water used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice.

Officials said crews are working to stabilize the system and complete required water quality testing. The order will remain in effect until test results confirm that the water supply meets safety standards.

What residents should do

• Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before consumption
• Use bottled water if boiling is not possible
• Discard ice and beverages made with tap water during the advisory

Water can typically still be used for bathing, laundry, and sanitation purposes, provided it is not swallowed.

Source: Benton Charter Township / WNDU reporting
Residents should always follow the most recent instructions issued by their local utility.

A precautionary boil water advisory has been issued for parts of Genoa Township, Michigan, after a water main break caused a temporary loss of pressure in the local water system.

According to township officials, the advisory applies to customers in the Oak Pointe and North Shore areas. The notice was issued on January 19, 2026, following a break in the water main that reduced pressure in the distribution system. As a precaution, residents are being advised to boil tap water used for drinking and food preparation while repairs and testing are completed.

Officials said the advisory is expected to remain in effect for approximately 48 hours, or until laboratory test results confirm that the water meets required safety standards.

What residents should do

• Boil tap water for at least one minute before drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or making ice
• Use boiled or bottled water for food and beverages
• Avoid swallowing tap water during the advisory period

Tap water may generally still be used for bathing, showering, and household cleaning, provided care is taken not to ingest the water.

Source: Genoa Township / WHMI local reporting
Residents should always follow the most recent instructions issued by their local utility.

The City of Trinidad restored normal water service earlier this month after a major water main leak caused a multi-day disruption and a temporary boil water notice.

City officials reported that the incident began on January 3, 2026, when a large leak led to pressure loss and drained water storage tanks. As a precaution, residents were advised to boil or use bottled water while emergency repairs and system flushing were completed.

Following multiple rounds of laboratory testing, officials announced on January 7, 2026, that results showed no bacterial contamination. Based on those findings, the boil water notice was cancelled and normal tap water use resumed.

What residents should know

• Tap water is now considered safe for everyday use
• Some water conservation measures may remain in place as storage tanks recover
• Ongoing monitoring continues as part of normal system operations

Local officials encouraged residents to follow any additional guidance issued as the system fully stabilizes.

Source: Lost Coast Outpost / City of Trinidad water updates
Residents should continue to follow official city communications for the latest information.

Water officials in Paterson, New Jersey, lifted a boil water advisory earlier this week that had affected a portion of Montgomery Street following a water main break.

The advisory was initially issued on January 6, 2026, as a precaution while repairs were completed and water quality testing was conducted. According to the Passaic Valley Water Commission, laboratory results confirmed that water quality met regulatory standards, allowing the notice to be lifted.

What residents should know

• Normal tap water use has resumed in the previously affected area
• Residents were advised they could return to drinking and cooking with tap water
• Routine monitoring of the system continues

City and utility officials noted that lifting the advisory followed completion of required bacteriological testing and system stabilization.

Source: Passaic Valley Water Commission / TAPinto Paterson
Residents should rely on official utility updates for confirmation and guidance.
Residents should always follow the most recent instructions issued by their local utility.