A major break in an eight-inch water main at the intersection of Church Street and Seaborn Jones Drive brought loss of service and low pressure to most of Rockmart late Thursday, Jan. 10.

City officials said the first call was received about 3:45 p.m. and Mayor Steve Miller said he received notification a short time later.

He said the break was caused when a subcontractor of Parker FiberNet drilled into the pipe. "They had called and the line was flagged but you never know what will happen when a crew is at work on an underground line," Miller said.

Rockmart Public Works staff was on the scene within minutes after the first call was made to the City, according to the Mayor.

He said thousands of gallons of water was lost and valves on Ridgewood, old U.S. 278 and Lane Street storage tanks were closed. This action brought loss of water to residents in the area of Church and Elm streets and homes in the Forrest North and Calloway subdivisions.

Miller said Rockmart's Tip Top plant was also affected, but that the company has an agreement with the Polk County Water Authority. "This kept that industry from having to close down," Miller said.

City crews worked until around midnight, Thursday to get the repairs completed, according to Miller. "I am very pleased with the response and dedication of these men," he said. "Fortunately, the weather was warm and they did not have to deal with ice or snow."

Water service has been restored, low pressure should be corrected and the system back to normal today (Friday), Miller said.