Leaks and Outages

Are you experiencing low water pressure? Do you suspect a leak?

Leaks and Outages FAQ

How can I receive notifications of planned outages?

First Utility District’s customer notification system for planned outages is by email. Please call our office to add/update the email address on your account in order to receive these notifications (865-966-9741). You may also add your email address to your account through our customer service portal here: https://onlinepayment.fudknox.org/oscp/

First utility repaired a water line break in my area. Now what?

After a water main break and repair, crews must flush waterlines in the area to remove debris and air that accumulates in the line.  Sampling and testing of the water is also performed at this time.

Why is my water still cloudy?

What you are seeing is air in the water. If you let the water set in a container, it clears from the bottom up as the air rises.

Why is there air in my water?

Air is present in the empty lines as we refilled the pipe with pressurized water.  The air is dissolved into the water as the system is pressurized. This air will work its way through the water lines throughout the system.

Is my water safe?

YES.  We understand your concern.  Our experienced employees are continually taking samples and testing from multiple areas throughout our water system.  Our staff reports testing results to comply with our regulations.

What is going on with my water?

The cycle of events after a water main break is understood and expected.  When water is restored to a system after a break, there will be expected results.  At first the water may be discolored.  This is caused by disturbance of the pipes and sediment shifting as the new water is introduced.  Next as air works its way through the system, the water will look milky or cloudy.  This cycle of events happens when any water line break occurs, large or small.  This is expected, and your water is safe.

What happens next?

Our employees will work day and night, taking necessary steps to recover our system.  We will continue to flush water lines, and to sample and test water in multiple locations.  It will take time for the air to work through the system, but your water is safe.

This link has more information about cloudy water: http://water.usgs.gov/edu/qa-chemical-cloudy.html