The town of Salemburg lost almost 400,000 gallons of water after a line leak Friday, leaving residents without water, local schools closing early and local businesses unable to open their doors because of the issue.
The leak was found at Highway 242 and Laurel Lake Road and repaired Sunday. A boil water advisory remains in effect until further notice.
The leak was in the town’s main water line. Town officials and employees worked until midnight Friday trying to locate the source of the problem, but to no avail. The group was back at it first thing Saturday morning.
Pallets of water were brought to Town Hall Saturday, where residents could pick up water for their families. More than 20 volunteers gathered to load the water into residents’ cars.
Among the volunteers were students from Lakewood High School, Mintz Christian Academy, Sampson Early College and Salemburg Elementary, all whom Mayor Joe Warren thanked with a pizza lunch.
As cars pulled into the parking lot, the volunteers eagerly waved them over to where stacks of water was waiting. The students would find out how much water each car needed and load it inside.
Food Lion of Roseboro and Lowe’s were named as donating pallets of water for town residents.
Warren’s most recent update after the water leak was repaired was: “I would like to remind all Salemburg water customers that there is a boil water advisory in effect until further notice. Residents are advised not to drink tap water without boiling it first. To ensure safety, residents need to bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute and allow it to cool before using.”
The mayor also expressed his gratitude to the people who worked to resolve the issue, naming his family and town residents who stepped up to help.
“I want to especially thank the mayors of Roseboro, Clinton and Garland for providing their support of those who spent countless hours of their time in locating our leak. I also would like to give thanks to the Sampson County Commissioners, Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, Sampson County Public Works Department, Emergency Management and DOT for working alongside us to get the job done. Ben Sandy and Sandy’s Hauling employees worked extremely hard and did an excellent job in repairing our main water line.”
The boil water advisory will remain in effect until the town has its water tested for safety.