DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A major water main break is causing disruptions in DeKalb County on Friday morning, with City Schools of Decatur closing school for the day and DeKalb County School District relocating five of their schools to other institutions.
The break happened on McLendon Drive in Scottdale, the Decatur school district said. There is currently a significant power outage along that road with 246 customers affected, according to the Georgia Power outage map.
The break is causing most schools in the district "to have no or low water pressure" according to message on the school district website.
The Decatur district message added that there is no exact expected time of restoration, but that it will last "a minimum of five hours."
As such, the Decatur school district said it was closing operations for the day and that all after-school activities and athletics are canceled.
The DeKalb County School District also relocated students from five of their schools impacted by the break to several other institutions.
"Avondale Elementary, DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts, DeKalb School of the Arts, McClendon Elementary, and Robert Shaw Elementary have sent out communications advising parents of the relocation," the DeKalb County School district continued in their statement.
Photos show crews along McLendon Drive on Friday near the site of the water main break. The DeKalb Watershed Management shared on social media that it would offer bottled water near the intersection of McLendon Drive and North Avenue for customers impacted.
It also added that residents and businesses may experience low to no water pressure during the repair. For more information, call 770-270-6243.
Decatur
Decatur reported low to no water pressure at city facilities, which will be closed Friday.
The city said if residents need assistance, they can contact the following numbers:
- City Hall 678-553-6743 or 404-370-4102
- Public Works 404-377-5571
- Parks & Recreation 404-377-0494
- Police Non-emergency 404-373-6551
The city also said its fire department is testing hydrants and that if you live near one at the following locations, you may see cloudy water, which the city said will be temporary:
- 100 block of Willow Lane
- 200 block of Forkner Drive
- 200 block of Westchester Drive
- 100 block of Candler Drive
More impacts
- Emory University said its campus water supply remains safe to drink and use.
- MARTA also said its restrooms were impacted but later service was restored:
Water has been restored at MARTA rail stations on the Blue Line after a water main break in DeKalb County. Restrooms at the following rail stations have reopened: East Lake, Decatur, Avondale, and Kensington. Follow @MARTAservice on X (Twitter) for real-time updates.
City Schools of Decatur full message:
DeKalb County Watershed Management has informed us of a water main break at the 800 block of McLendon Drive in Scottdale, causing most CSD schools to have no or low water pressure.DeKalb County Watershed Management does not have a confirmed time for restoration; however, it is expected to be a minimum of 5 hours. Only two schools currently have pressure, and it is expected that this pressure may also decrease due to the magnitude of the water main break.
Due to safety and sanitation, we will close all schools and offices for today, February 2. If your child is currently at school, please arrange for pick-up as soon as possible. All after-school activities and athletics are canceled.
DeKalb County School District full statement:
Due to a water main break on McLendon Drive, students and staff at five DeKalb County School District (DCSD) schools have been relocated to other DCSD schools while the break is being repaired. Avondale Elementary, DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts, DeKalb School of the Arts, McClendon Elementary, and Robert Shaw Elementary have sent out communications advising parents of the relocation. DCSD is prepared to receive and support students at the accommodating schools, including providing lunches to students.
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