Crews are working around the clock to restore water services in DeKalb after a 48-inch water main broke Wednesday morning, disrupting a multitude of services across the county, including hospitals, businesses, restaurants and schools.
Buford Highway, which was shut down in Doraville most the day, has reopened.
But DeKalb officials said water pressure is still being restored to customers, and a boil water advisory remains in effect for the entire county.
Reggie Wells, acting director of DeKalb’s Watershed Management Department, said Wednesday night it could last for days.
That’s one reason shoppers scrambled to grab bottled water from many stores, clearing the shelves by mid-afternoon.
DeKalb’s Watershed Management department has been plagued by issues over the years, including outdated meters that led to widespread water billing issues and a decaying sewage system that is the source of regular spills.
6:35 a.m.: Crews have lowered a new water main into the ground at the site of the massive water main break, Channel 2 reported.
6:06 a.m.: Water has been restored to Perimeter Mall, which is set to reopen at 10 a.m. Thursday, officials said.
5:33 a.m.: Crews have made a hole for a new pipe, and the new pipe is on the scene.
— Staff writer Ellen Eldridge contributed to this article.