MATTHEW BURNETTE

Staff Writer

A water main break on Sept. 16 on Woodbury Highway led to both Coffee County Middle School and New Union Elementary closing as well as a Boil Water Advisory for parts of the New Union area to be issued the following day.

The break also left a number a of residents without water temporarily.

According to an email from Water and Sewer Director Lonnie Foley, the water main break was likely caused by ground movement and settling in the area.

“Our investigation indicates that a stormwater catch basin located directly on top of the water main shifted and exerted pressure on the pipe, ultimately causing it to fail,” he said.

Foley explained that there have been “several” water main breaks along that stretch of highway in the past, but this incident occurred in a different section of the water main and not in any of the previously repaired locations.

However, he said that the cause of the break appears to be similar breaks in the area, a combination of ground movement and settling as well as the stormwater catch basin above the water main resulting in excessive pressure being exerted on the pipe.

As a result of safety concerns, the complexity of the repair and the location of the damaged infrastructure, Foley says that the work was completed by an outside contractor but that:

“Manchester Water & Sewer personnel and inspectors were onsite throughout the entire process to oversee the work and ensure it was completed in accordance with department standards.”

Foley concluded his email by noting that while a temporary repair has stabilized the situation, a more permanent solution will be required.

“MWSD will be working closely with TDOT and other stakeholders to evaluate utility relocations and other corrective measures to reduce the likelihood of similar failures occurring in the future,” the email read. “Once a permanent repair plan has been developed and scheduled, affected residents will be notified in advance of any anticipated impacts to service or traffic.”

“We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we continue working toward a long-term solution for this area.”

Both schools were back in session on Friday Sept. 18 with Coffee County Director of Schools Scott Hargrove releasing a statement on Sept. 17.

“Coffee County Middle School & New Union Elementary School will be in session Friday, September 18, 2026. In regard to the “Boil Water Advisory”, we have drinking fountains that provide filtered water in both schools, and our cafeterias will use prepackaged foods.  All water used in the kitchen areas will be boiled before use.  Parents, feel free to send bottled water to school with your children. Students will be able to refill their water bottles throughout the day with filtered water. Thank you for your cooperation!”

In a phone conversation with Hargrove and Deputy Director Kelvin Shores, it was confirmed with the Times that Wal-Mart delivered pallets of bottled water to the two schools on Sept. 18 along with donations from parents at New Union.

Water was restored on Sept. 17, though the Boil Water Advisory was still in place as a precaution at the time of publishing. No contamination was found in the water, but samples were taken and sent off for testing by the Water and Sewer Department.