Union County Schools closed after E. coli found in drinking water

UNION COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Union County Schools are closed Thursday after E. coli was found in the drinking water.

The county is under a boil water advisory, causing after school and school-related athletic events to cancel as well. Union County Public Schools offices are closed as well.

Parents can pick children up at school if they're already on the school bus.

RELATED | Symptoms, prevention and other things to know about E. coli

E. coli refers to a large group of bacteria found in the intestine of many living organisms. Problems can arise when certain pathogenic strains of E. coli cause illness.