ANSON COUNTY, N.C. — A major water main break was reported Tuesday in Anson County, and Wadesboro town officials posted on social media at 5:30 p.m. that the outage could last for an estimated 12 to 24 hours.
The Anson County Water Department said the break is on Highway 74 East near Morven Freight Line Road, east of Wadesboro. It was first reported earlier in the afternoon.
“Residents are strongly encouraged to limit water usage as much as possible until further notice while crews work to repair the break,” Wadesboro town officials said in the announcement.
Anson County officials said that crews are working on isolating valves to begin repairs. County officials had said service is expected to be restored by 9 p.m. It is unclear if that time of restoration is still valid after the latest update from Wadesboro that water could be out for another 12-24 hours.
Low pressure in the water could introduce bacteria into the system.
After water is restored, county officials advise people to boil water used for human consumption, including drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food prep.
Boiling water for one minute should kill any disease-causing organisms that may be in the water, officials said.
Communities are urging people to conserve water.
The Peachland mayor posted on Facebook at about 2:15 p.m. that they have about 12 hours of water usage left in the town’s tank.
Lilesville Fire Department said the town of Lilesville has about six hours of water left.
Water infrastructure
Channel 9 has investigated problems with Anson County’s water infrastructure.
More than half of what’s leaving the plant isn’t making it to customers.
The county manager told Channel 9 that it would cost $300 million to replace the filtration plant and that there isn’t money to execute the capital improvement plan.
No additional details have been made available.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates.