The Latest: Water pressure begins to return in metro Atlanta

DORAVILLE, Ga. (AP) — The Latest on a major water break in metro Atlanta (all times local):

1:45 p.m.

Authorities say water pressure is beginning to return to parts of a Georgia county after a major water main break shut down schools and businesses in a large part of metro Atlanta.

DeKalb County authorities said Wednesday afternoon that crews had isolated the break just northeast of Atlanta, and that water pressure was slowly being restored throughout the county.

The massive water main break sent water gushing across a major highway, and led to low water pressure for miles (kilometers) around. Low water supplies led to several businesses closing and prompted more than 100 schools to send more than 100,000 students home Wednesday.

Authorities say the break occurred in a transmission main in the Doraville area, but its effects were felt throughout the county’s water system.

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11:45 a.m.

The top official in one of Georgia’s largest counties says crews are working to fix a major water main break that’s shut down schools and businesses in metro Atlanta “as soon as humanly possible.”

DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said at a late-morning news briefing Wednesday that the hope is to resolve the situation within 24 hours.

The massive water main break sent water gushing across a major highway, and led to low water pressure for miles around. Low water supplies led to several businesses closing and prompted more than 100 schools to send more than 100,000 students home Wednesday morning.

One of metro Atlanta’s largest shopping centers, Perimeter Mall, announced it would be closed due to the low water pressure. And DeKalb Medical canceled elective surgeries scheduled for later Wednesday.

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9 a.m.

A massive water main break has sent water gushing into neighborhoods near Atlanta, flooding a major highway, closing businesses miles away and prompting more than 100 schools to close in one of Georgia’s largest counties.

DeKalb County said in a Wednesday morning statement that the break occurred in a 48-inch transmission main in the Doraville area, just northeast of Atlanta.

Officials say the county’s water plant is experiencing low pressure and they’re asking residents to conserve water.

WSB-TV reports water has been flowing into Buford Highway — a major artery through metro Atlanta — since before 4:30 a.m. Wednesday. Pictures published by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution showed cars and buildings surrounded by water.

DeKalb County schools, Georgia’s third-largest school system, said all of its schools — more than 100 — were sending children home Wednesday.

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