More water woes for Johnston County

Homes and businesses in the Princeton-Kenly Water District and the south area of the Little River Water District were temporarily without water pressure while crews repaired the line early Tuesday.

The area affected is north of Pine Level, northwest of Princeton, southeast of Interstate 95 and includes the Town of Kenly. It does not include the towns of Selma, Micro, Pine Level, and Princeton.

Utilities officials said the advisory is routine for when water mains break, and they expect to lift the advisory by Wednesday, pending the outcome of bacterial tests.

Restaurants in the affected area weren't closed but were limited in their use of water.

They've had to stop using ice and have had to use disposable utensils and dishes.

Last week, bacteria detected in the water prompted a similar notice for Smithfield residents. Restaurants there were forced to close for more than 24 hours.

Despite the two incidents and an earlier plea to conserve water, county officials said there is no reason for alarm.

"It's coincidence that all this had happened within a week or so of each other, " said Robin Gurgainus, a spokesman for Johnston County government.