Broken pipe leaves Nixon water customers dry

The Savannah Utility Department says a ruptured water main is responsible for an interruption of water service in the Nixon community and surrounding areas today.
“We had a line blow out that runs under Hatley Creek – an 8-inch main that runs up (Tenn.) 128 to the Pyburn and Points of Pickwick area,” said Virgil Morris, Savannah Utilities Director.
He said that due to the wet conditions surrounding the blowout, it’s difficult to tell exactly what caused the line failure, but he believes “a joint blew out, probably due to stress or some other natural cause.”
He said that as soon as the line broke, the lack of water pressure alerted the utility department to the problem and workers have been on the job since early this morning. At this time there is no way to tell how long it will take to complete the repair and restore normal service.
Service was still out at 2:30 p.m.
Once repairs are complete, Morris said workers will disinfect the line and test the water in compliance with state regulations.
“Then they have to refill the tank at Pyburn – you’re talking a 200,000 gallon tank – and build up head pressure. It will take a little time, but it’s standard procedure,” Morris said.
The Savannah Utility Department is advising all affected residents to find alternate sources of drinking water, such as bottled water. At 3 p.m., the temperature had reached 94 degrees in Savannah.