Newport Utilities water service returning as boil advisory remains in effect

NEWPORT, Tenn. (WATE) — The water service is beginning to return after Newport Utilities’ water pumping station was damaged when the remnants of Helene passed through the area.

“We were able to restore the water system in Newport sooner than anticipated. It’s flowing slowly out of our pumping station into a series of holding tanks,” said Newport Utilities CEO Michael Williford.

Two water pumps are operating like they’re supposed to. However, two pumps remain offline, but they’re expected to be fixed soon.

When people in Newport turned on their taps, they were elated.

“Oh my gosh. Water. It’s great. And I know that people in this area are so thrilled,” said Victoria Graves, a Newport resident.

“It’s great that we’re getting it back quicker than they anticipated”, said Miranda Dunn, a Newport resident.

Williford said it would take time for the water to get to the outskirts, but people are starting to see fresh water again. However, he cautions not to drink it yet, and to boil it before trying to drink it as it is not safe to drink. TEMA shared that Cocke County is under a boil water advisory.

“We would like to remind everybody to conserve so that we can fill our tank. Right now, it’s not safe to drink and you need to use your best judgment when we do release the boil notice. If you’re still getting cloudy and murky water, that could last for a while,” said Williford.

Water continues to flow rapidly down the French Broad River and lots of debris is left behind. The elevated pump station draws water from the French Broad. You can still see the debris at water level 15 feet below the pump station.

“It knocked that water out and we didn’t know what the damage was to the intake. It’s to the intake for the water treatment plant. The water treatment plant itself is on a hill. The water did not reach the treatment plant,” said Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis.

Fresh water is flowing into the utility treatment plant and it’s beginning to fill the 2.5 million gallon holding tank and others scattered throughout Cocke County. The work progressed faster than anyone expected.

“The experts were telling us to expect weeks, possibly months. We cheered at the top when water started pouring into our treatment facilities,” said Williford.

Several water disruption points have been set up around the county for people in need of fresh water. The main Point of Distribution Site is located at 613 West Broadway in Newport and the Cocke County EMA is sharing updates for additional distribution sites.

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