Cary water main break disrupts service and closes 30 schools

A major 30-inch water main break near N.C. 55 in Cary, North Carolina, disrupted service for more than 50,000 customers and forced the early dismissal of approximately 30 schools within the Wake County Public School System.

The incident, which occurred on Monday, September 14, caused significant water pressure drops in Cary and Morrisville. While officials reported that water pressure was restored and the water was deemed safe to drink by Tuesday morning, the disruption highlighted growing concerns regarding aging infrastructure in the rapidly expanding Raleigh metro area.

Local authorities noted that the region's fast-paced population growth is placing increased demand on utility systems. Cary’s 2025 Long Range Water Resources Plan indicates that future water supply remains a major challenge, with projected demand from Cary and Apex potentially exceeding current Jordan Lake water allocations by 2049.