A widespread water outage in Bledsoe County, Tennessee, began Monday due to multiple leaks in the Fall Creek Falls Utility District’s water supply lines, draining tanks. Days later, some residents, especially in the northern county, remain without water, struggling with basic needs like washing and sanitation.

The outage’s severity is linked to a Saturday seismic event that likely damaged pipes.

Fall Creek Falls Utility District commissioner Virginia Lewis told Local 3 News the earthquake likely damaged infrastructure. If the quake was able to shake houses, it likely shook the pipes as well, which could cause fractures and ruptures in pipes and connections.

While southern areas have mostly regained service, northern residents face ongoing issues. The district is providing bottled water and a tanker truck for relief.

Concerns about long-term damage to home plumbing persist. Crews are working on repairs, but no exact timeline for full restoration has been given. The district is planning infrastructure improvements to prevent future issues.

Currently Bledsoe and Van Buren counties are under a Boil Water Notice due to multiple major leaks, with some areas without water for over four days. Three leaks were fixed so far, but conservation is being urged, and assistance includes workers from Fall Creek Falls State Park and Sparta, a water tanker at Mt. Crest Fire Hall (bring containers), and bottled water distribution.

The Lab in Pikeville offers showers.

Updates are on the utility’s website and Facebook.