City Alerts & Public Notices

Crews are working diligently to restore water service for affected customers.

The BOIL WATER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT until further notice.

DRINKING WATER PICKUP TODAY:

• Copperhill City Hall
• Luttrell’s Hardware (starting at 1:00 PM)

NON-DRINKING WATER: A yellow water reservoir is set up in front of City Hall. Use this water for flushing toilets and other non-drinking needs only. Please bring your own buckets or containers. Do NOT drink the reservoir water or use it for cooking.

We will post updates as soon as service is restored.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this challenging time for our city. Your patience, and the way neighbors are looking out for one another, mean more than we can say. We will get through this together.

Residents can pick up water in front of Copperhill City Hall.

NON-DRINKING WATER: A yellow water reservoir is set up in front of City Hall. Use this water for flushing toilets and other non-drinking needs only. Do NOT drink this water or use it for cooking.

DRINKING WATER: Cases of bottled water are also available for drinking.

Please bring your own buckets or containers for the reservoir water.

Please SHARE and help neighbors who can’t make it in.

Due to the unsafe conditions and the damage to countless businesses in the Copperhill area, there is a mandatory curfew in the affected flood areas from 6PM to 6AM. No one is to be in those areas for safety’s sake and protection of property.

— Sheriff Steve Ross

Issued: Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET

On November 5, flooding from the Toccoa/Ocoee River caused a water main break that led to a loss of water pressure in portions of the Copperhill Utilities distribution system. Because water pressure dropped below acceptable levels, there is an increased risk that contaminants could have entered the water system.

AFFECTED AREAS:

• Belltown Road
• Downtown Copperhill, including the neighborhoods around City Hall
• Staffordtown
• West Tennessee Avenue

As a precaution, all customers in these areas are advised to BOIL THEIR WATER before using it for drinking or food preparation until further notice.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Bring all water to a rolling boil for at least one (1) minute, then let it cool before using it for:

• Drinking
• Making ice
• Brushing teeth
• Washing fruits and vegetables
• Preparing food or infant formula
• Making coffee or other beverages

You may use bottled water instead. Throw away any ice made after the water main break.

Water for bathing, showering, laundry, and other household purposes may generally be used as normal. Supervise young children so they do not swallow water while bathing.

POSSIBLE HEALTH EFFECTS

Contaminated water can contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and headaches. These symptoms are not caused only by contaminated water. Infants, young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems may be at greater risk. If you have these symptoms and they continue, contact your doctor.

WHY IS THIS NOTICE BEING ISSUED?

When water pressure falls below normal levels, contaminants can enter the system through cracks, leaks, or other openings. There is no evidence at this time that the water is contaminated. This notice is a precaution to protect public health.

WHAT IS BEING DONE?

Crews are working to repair the damaged water main and restore water pressure. Water samples will be collected throughout the affected areas and tested for bacteriological contamination as required by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC).

WHEN WILL THIS BE RESOLVED?

The time frame is unknown at this time due to ongoing flooding. We will post updates as soon as we know more.

This Boil Water Advisory will remain in effect until:

• Water pressure has been fully restored,
• Required bacteriological samples have been collected, and
• Laboratory results confirm the water is safe to drink.

Customers will be notified as soon as the advisory is lifted.

QUESTIONS?

Copperhill Utilities
Phone: 423-496-5141
Office Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday–Friday

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to keep your drinking water safe.

Please SHARE this notice, especially with neighbors who may not have access to the internet.

Due to the flooding, we are asking ALL water customers to CONSERVE WATER until further notice.

Customers in DOWNTOWN COPPERHILL may lose water service. Please prepare now.

HOW TO PREPARE:

• Fill clean containers, pitchers, and bottles with drinking water
• Fill bathtubs or buckets for flushing toilets
• Make sure you have enough water for pets and any medical needs

HOW TO CONSERVE:

• Only use water for essential needs
• Hold off on laundry, dishwashers, and car washing
• Take short showers
• Turn off outdoor water and sprinklers

We will post updates here as soon as we have them. If a boil water advisory is issued, we will notify you right away.

Please spread the word and check on elderly or disabled neighbors.

STAY OUT OF THE CITY. Do not travel to downtown Copperhill or any area along the river.

Do not drive or walk through flood water.

Call 911 if you’re in danger.

THE FOLLOWING RESIDENTS ARE DIRECTED TO EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY:

• ALL residents on WEST TENNESSEE AVENUE and EAST TENNESSEE AVENUE
• ALL residents and businesses in DOWNTOWN COPPERHILL
• ALL homes and businesses along the TOCCOA / OCOEE RIVER in Copperhill and McCaysville

Due to the ongoing flooding and dangerous conditions, DO NOT DELAY YOUR EVACUATION. LEAVE THE AREA NOW.

This is a serious public safety emergency. Residents are urged to take this warning seriously and move to a safe location immediately.

SHELTERS ARE OPEN:

• Copperhill City Hall
• McCaysville City Hall

BOTH BRIDGES ARE CLOSED. Go to the shelter on YOUR side of the river. Do NOT attempt to cross the bridges.

Call 911 if you’re in danger.

The river is over its banks and downtown streets are flooded. STAY OUT of downtown.

Bridges remain closed. Shelters are open at Copperhill City Hall and McCaysville City Hall. Go to the one on your side of the river.

Call 911 if you’re in danger.

Copperhill City Hall and McCaysville City Hall are OPEN as shelters for anyone evacuating from the river flooding.

BOTH BRIDGES ARE CLOSED.

Go to whichever City Hall is on YOUR side of the river.

DO NOT try to cross the bridges or drive or walk through flood water. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 1 foot can sweep a car away.

If you or someone else is in danger, call 911.

You’re invited to the monthly meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen at Copperhill City Hall on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting agenda is available here.

Join us to stay informed and engaged with your local government. This is a great opportunity to hear important updates and share your voice on issues that impact our community. All residents are encouraged to attend and participate.

We look forward to your participation in shaping the future of Copperhill! See you there!