Days of Freezing Temperatures Cause Water Disruptions across the South

Dozens of water systems in the South experienced water main breaks and burst pipes and implemented boil water advisories as a result of freezing temperatures that began last week.

In addition to the freezing temperatures causing ruptures for water mains and pipes, water systems have also contended with power outages due to downed lines and heightened demand (due largely to leaks and burst pipes but also to the holidays). Jackson, Mississippi, which experienced a water emergency over the summer following a flood caused by heavy rains, is among the affected communities. Officials there instituted a citywide boil water advisory due to numerous breaks in the distribution systems. Many customers experienced little to no water pressure, and the city indicated it still has to identify the locations of many of the breaks. Shreveport, Louisiana also implemented a system-wide boil water advisory and noted certain areas of the city are experiencing little to no water pressure. The city also reported one of the contributing factors is leaks in businesses that are just being noticed following the holiday weekend. Other communities experiencing water emergencies include Selma, Alabama; Greenville, South Carolina; Memphis, Tennessee; Atlanta, Georgia; and Asheville, North Carolina. In Charleston, South Carolina, officials have not had to institute a boil water advisory but asked customers to help reduce the burdens on the system, which normally puts out about 50 million gallons of water during a typical winter day but due to extra usage has been producing 100 million gallons a day. Specifically, it asked customers to locate their shut off valve in the case of leaks and to insulate plumbing and drop faucets overnight. Fortunately, the weather is expected to moderate across the region this week, bringing some reprieve to beleaguered systems. Read more at the Associated Press.