Crews complete repairs to Pender County water line that caused school disruptions

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Pender County has repaired a 24-inch water transmission line that broke along U.S. Highway 421 near Blueberry Road, and officials have lifted the precautionary boil water advisory for Western and Central Pender County.

The county says the transmission line developed a split along the bottom of the pipe that extended for about 20 feet.

A contractor with larger equipment was brought in to assist with repairs, with Pender County staff working alongside the contractor.

According to the county, poor bedding beneath the existing pipe is the only indication crews have found so far of what may have caused the break. Roots and debris were also found in the area of the pipe.

The break Tuesday, Sept. 22, caused water pressure to drop in the affected area and forced Pender County Schools to dismiss students early from seven schools.

Those schools were Cape Fear Elementary School, Cape Fear Middle School, Heide Trask High School, Malpass Corner Elementary School, Pender High School, Pender Innovative Learning Academy and Rocky Point Elementary School.

The seven schools returned to their regular schedules Wednesday while the precautionary boil water advisory remained in place. Bottled water was provided at the schools.

Pender County says water samples collected following the main break returned satisfactory results.

As a result, the precautionary boil water advisory for Western and Central Pender County has been rescinded.