City Hall Closure Notice
Today, February 2, 2026.
City Hall will be closed today due to a loss of heat in the building. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety and comfort of staff and the public.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Update: 9:59 p.m.
Repair Complete / System Flushing
The water main break has been repaired. Crews will now begin flushing fire hydrants throughout the affected areas to help restore normal water quality.
Hydrant flushing is a standard process used after a water main break. Flushing helps remove air, sediment, and mineral deposits that may have entered the system during the break. This process also helps stabilize water pressure and improve water clarity.
During flushing, customers may notice temporary changes such as discolored or cloudy water, air in the lines, or brief pressure fluctuations. These conditions are normal and should clear as flushing continues. Customers are advised to avoid doing laundry until the water runs clear to prevent staining.
Because the leak occurred over several hours, flushing may take additional time to clear the system fully. Crews will continue flushing until water quality and pressure are restored.
We appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation.
Water Main Break – Update
8:10 pm update
Water crews have located the water main break at Miser Station and are currently on site, preparing to begin repairs.
Over the past several hours, the leak has affected additional areas of the system. Customers may continue to experience low water pressure or service interruptions while repair work is underway.
With temperatures dropping and crews working in cold conditions and water, we ask for patience and understanding as repairs are completed. The safety and well-being of our crews remain a priority as they work to restore service as quickly as possible.
Further updates will be provided as conditions change. We appreciate the public’s cooperation and patience.
Water Main Break
Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026
The on-call water technician was notified after the telemetry system detected dropping water tank levels. The utility crew driving around to locate the source of a water main break.
At this time, the majority of service calls are coming from aeras around the Louisville side of the water system. Customers in these areas may experience low water pressure or service interruptions.
Crews will remain in the field actively searching for the location of the break. Once it is identified, repairs will begin immediately. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as crews work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
What You See and Think, What We Know: The Leak Conversation
When a water leak occurs, we often hear the same questions from the public:
- “Why does Friendsville Utility have so many leaks?”
- “Do they even know how to fix them?”
- “Do they know what they’re doing?”
These are fair questions, and we believe in being honest and open with our community. The short answer is: Yes, we do know how to fix them, and we’re doing it every day. But the bigger answer lies in decades of history, changing materials, and inherited infrastructure challenges that we are actively working to correct.
What We Inherited
Much of Friendsville’s water system was installed between the 1960s and 1990s. During those times, state requirements were not as strict as they are today. Decisions were often made based on what was available, affordable, or easiest, not always what was best for the long term. Over the years, several things were passed down to us:
- Smaller-sized pipes are installed to cut costs
- Water lines are laid directly on rock instead of being properly bedded
- Inconsistent installation methods, sometimes without proper fittings
- Standard materials then, but are outdated or even unsafe by today’s standards (like asbestos cement and galvanized steel)
These shortcuts weren’t taken out of neglect; they were often the only options small towns could afford. But unfortunately, we’re now living with the consequences.
What We’re Doing About It
At Friendsville Utility, we’ve made it a priority to modernize the water system. That includes:
- Replacing old and brittle lines with larger, safer materials like PVC and ductile iron
- Upgrading main lines to reduce pressure stress and increase reliability
- Correcting past installation issues, such as poorly fitted saddles or pipes laid without proper bedding
- Seeking grants and outside funding to avoid burdening the ratepayers while we fix long-standing issues
Each time a leak happens, it's not always just about a quick fix; it’s often part of a larger, underlying issue we’re working to address permanently. Sometimes that means cutting into rock, navigating right-of-way challenges, or uncovering things underground that were never mapped.
Why It Takes Time
Leaks don’t happen on a schedule. They come suddenly, at all hours, and sometimes in hard-to-reach places, under roads, in fields, or even on private property. Our crew works day and night to respond as quickly and safely as possible, often with limited staff and equipment.
And while it may seem like "just another leak," each repair is part of a long process of building a stronger, more reliable system, something we’re committed to, one pipe at a time.
What You Can Do
We genuinely appreciate it when residents report leaks quickly. Your calls help us locate breaks more quickly, especially when they’re not visible above ground. If you notice standing water, a sudden drop in pressure, or any other unusual condition, please call us at 865-995-0243, ext. 101.
We hear your frustrations, and we’re working every day to turn them into progress. However, it’s essential to remember that our employees are here to do their job, and they work diligently every day to keep the system running.
When leaks occur, especially during extreme weather conditions such as intense heat or freezing temperatures, it’s frustrating for all and often even more so for the crews who are out in the elements making the repairs. They respond day or night, in rain, cold, or heat, doing everything they can to restore service as quickly and safely as possible.
We appreciate your patience and support as we continue improving the system, one repair at a time.