Full Breakdown
Major Water Main Break Disrupts Cary and Morrisville
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
A 30-inch water main ruptured in the early hours of Monday morning along North Carolina Highway 55 near Wade Drive, creating a large opening in the ground that exposed soil and concrete. The break lies within the central pressure zone that serves Cary and the neighboring community of Morrisville.
Immediate Response and Public Guidance
The town of Cary announced that Highway 55 is closed in both directions between the Jenks Road/Old Jenks Road intersection and the Lewey Drive/Turner Creek Road intersection. Officials expect the roadway to reopen to traffic by 7 a.m. Residents in the affected zone were instructed to boil tap water vigorously for one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth, and to consider bottled water as an alternative.
Impact on Services and Residents
Approximately 50,000 customers in the central pressure zone experienced reduced water pressure or a complete loss of service. The town of Cary warned that low water pressure can create conditions that may allow bacteria to enter the distribution system. However, the municipality reported that no harmful bacteria have been detected in the water supply.
Restoration Efforts and Timeline
Repair crews were dispatched shortly after the break was identified. The town’s communications indicated that work to seal the main and restore normal pressure is underway, with the primary goal of reopening the highway and normalizing water service as quickly as possible. Residents were advised to monitor updates from town officials for further instructions.
Infrastructure Considerations
The incident underscores the importance of rapid public communication and precautionary measures when water-distribution infrastructure fails. By issuing boil-water advisories and monitoring bacterial levels, local authorities aim to protect public health while addressing the physical repair of the main.