REIDSVILLE, N.C. — UPDATE: As of 3:50 p.m. on Tuesday, crews have completed repairs on the water main break. The city says most Reidsville homes and businesses should have water, although water pressure will continue to improve over the succeeding hours. There is still a boil water advisory in place until further notice.
The city says it's currently compiling water samples, but test results won't come back for at least 24 hours. The boil water advisory is still in place until then.
Rockingham County Schools said in a Facebook post that all Reidsville schools will operate on a regular schedule on Wednesday. Schools will shut off all water fountains and serve pre-packaged breakfasts and lunches. Students and staff will have full access to the restrooms.
"We are requesting all students bring at least one bottle of water with them tomorrow. Additional bottled water will be available for any student who needs it. RCS staff will continue to closely monitor the situation and communicate any changes as soon as possible," the district said in a statement.
Original story:
The entire City of Reidsville is currently under a boil water advisory until further notice after an electrical surge from Monday night's weather caused a 4-foot break in one of the city's 12-inch water pipes at Scales Street and Park Lane.
The City of Reidsville said all residents who have water service are under a boil water advisory until further notice. The City said residents should see a gradual return of water pressure throughout the day on Tuesday.
The outage happened around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, according to the city.
Rockingham County Schools also announced several schools would be closed in the area due to the boil water notice instituted by the City of Reidsville.
These schools include Reidsville High School, Reidsville Middle School, Booker T Washington Learning Center, South End Elementary School, Moss St. Elementary School, Monroeton Elementary School, Williamsburg Elementary School, Bethany Elementary School, and Lawsonville Head Start.
A spokesperson with Cone Health said Annie Penn Hospital experienced a water outage around 4:15 a.m. on Tuesday.
The spokesperson also said the hospital is using emergency water supplies, and more is on the way. Surgeries have been postponed and patients with appointments are being sent to other Cone Health facilities with access to water. The emergency room remains open, and people should continue calling 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency. If someone has an appointment at Annie Penn Hospital or nearby Cone Health facilities, they are asked to call and confirm it.
The city says that after the leak has been repaired, it will pull samples for testing and alert residents when the boil advisory is lifted. In the meantime, customers are advised to boil all water used for human consumption, including drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, food prep, etc.