Every school in Stephens County shut down Wednesday after a 16-inch water main burst off Falls Road, draining pressure so low that restrooms and other sanitary facilities stopped working across every campus in the district. Some students were already on buses and were sent home. Classes are set to return to a normal, full-day schedule Thursday, Nov. 5.
Pressure Loss Shuts Down Restrooms Districtwide
Stephens County Schools closed all campuses Wednesday due to what was described as a major water main break, as reported by AccessNorthGA. The outlet reported the break caused a loss of water pressure across all district campuses, rendering essential sanitary facilities inoperable. Parents were given the option to pick their children up at school rather than wait for buses. Some students were already on buses and were sent home.
The rupture itself was traced to a 16-inch water main on Falls Road, reported early Wednesday afternoon, according to WSPA. As of Wednesday, city officials had not yet provided an estimated time for repair, per the AccessNorthGA report. The break wasn't limited to school property — Stephens County 911 reported water problems at homes and businesses across the county, and the disruption also closed the Stephens County government building, annex, historic courthouse and public works offices. Toccoa city offices were scheduled to remain closed until at least noon Wednesday. The Stephens County Detention Center stayed open despite its public restrooms being unavailable because of the low pressure.
Boil Water Advisory Covers Affected Customers
The City of Toccoa Water System issued a precautionary boil water advisory for any customers who lost service or experienced low pressure because of the break, WSPA reported. City officials said a drop in pressure could allow germs to enter the water supply, and the notice warned that a microbial contamination hazard may exist in affected areas without positive pressure, according to a public notification shared by WNEG Radio.
Affected customers were told to use only bottled water or tap water brought to a rolling boil for one minute and then cooled, the station reported. That boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, brushing teeth, washing and preparing food, mixing baby formula, making ice, and giving water to pets. Once the advisory is lifted, customers are instructed to flush all faucets for at least two minutes before using tap water for drinking or food preparation, per the same notice. The advisory remains in effect until the city confirms through testing that the water is safe and formally lifts it. Residents with questions or outage reports can reach the Toccoa Water System at 706-282-3311, though officials have asked that 911 be reserved for actual emergencies.
Classes Resume Thursday With Normal Schedule
Despite the uncertainty over repairs, Stephens County Schools announced the district would return to a normal, full-day schedule Thursday, according to WNEG Radio. All school buses, morning drop-off lines, and daily schedules were expected to run as regularly scheduled, the station reported, a reversal from Wednesday's mid-morning scramble that sent kids back home.
Wednesday's break left city officials still without an estimated repair timeline as the district prepared to reopen its doors Thursday morning.
