During Tuesday’s quarterly council meeting, Cary officials detailed the town’s response to a major water‑main break on NC‑55 that left thousands without reliable water pressure and forced early closures of schools and businesses.
Break details and immediate actions
Early Monday, a 30‑inch pipe that is more than 30 years old ruptured, prompting a temporary road closure and a boil‑water advisory. Town Utilities Director Jamie Revels said crews began repairs immediately and that early‑morning testing confirmed the water is now safe for normal use.
Mayor Harold Weinbrecht praised the effort, noting, “My personal opinion, you guys did an outstanding job getting the message out because, like I said, I wasn’t even here and I got the message.” He added that he has been “bombarded” by criticism but remains confident in the town’s overall handling of the incident.
Communication criticism and town response
Several online commenters said they learned of the issue hours after it began, primarily through social media, and questioned why the town did not send a direct text or email. One resident wrote, “Why hasn’t the Town sent out a text message/email to customers? Not everyone is on Facebook.” Council member Lori Bush relayed feedback from the Information Services Advisory Board, noting that daycares and restaurants were among the groups that did not receive timely alerts.
Revels acknowledged the gaps and promised improvements. “With the new utility billing system we’re adding more interactive communication features to the customer portal,” he said. “That’s one thing we believe is going to be a big improvement for us going forward.” He also urged residents to sign up for both Wake County and Cary emergency alerts to ensure broader coverage.
Progress on repairs and next steps
Crews have installed a replacement pipe that is nearly ready for service, and water pressure is returning to normal across the affected area. While the exact cause of the break remains undetermined, officials emphasized that the aging pipe was still within its expected lifespan.
The town will continue to monitor the system and will provide updates through the enhanced portal, text alerts, and email notifications. Residents are encouraged to report any lingering water‑quality concerns to Cary Utilities.
Community perspective
Despite the criticism, many residents expressed appreciation for the town’s efforts. Several online users reported receiving timely messages from both Wake County and Cary, indicating that multiple channels were in use.
Overall, Cary leaders view the incident as a learning opportunity to strengthen communication infrastructure and ensure that future emergencies are handled with even greater transparency and speed.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
