The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians shut off water to 1,500 families on Sunday, just two days after the North Carolina tribe lifted a drinking ban.

The tribe first shut off the water last Thursday, when a gasoline leak contaminated the supply. On Friday, Chief Michell Hicks said it was safe to drink as long as the water was boiled.

The situation changed yesterday, when heavy rains collapsed part of a containment wall around a gasoline spill, The Asheville Citizen-Times reported. The ban is effective through at least noon today.

The water problems forced the tribe to close down its hotel and its businesses. The casino remains open.

Get the Story:
Cherokee taps go dry again (The Asheville Citizen-Times 9/25)
Taps open again in Cherokee (The Asheville Citizen-Times 9/23)

Relevant Links:
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians - http://www.cherokee-nc.com

Related Stories:
Eastern Cherokee water supply contaminated by gas (9/22)