PITTSBORO, N.C. — For the second time in two days, Pittsboro is dealing with a water main break.

The latest occurred early Thursday, affecting an area of town that included Horton Middle School and Pittsboro Elementary School, where students were taking state-mandated end-of-grade tests. Upon completion of the tests and a shortened lunch schedule, both schools released students early -- Pittsboro Elementary at 11 a.m. and Horton at noon.

Northwood High School was not affected by Thursday's water-main break.

Pittsboro officials said the water pressure will stay up until early afternoon so bathrooms and other water-related utilities can be used. Water was to be cut off to downtown at 2 p.m. to make repairs.

Thursday's break came after a water main break Tuesday in downtown put the area, including three schools, on water restrictions. Thursday's break occurred about 7:30 a.m., slightly north of the initial water main break.

Late Wednesday, town leaders lifted a boil water advisory issued after a 50-year-old water main broke on Main Street Tuesday morning.