MURFREESBORO — “Let the water run!”

Murfreesboro Town Councilman Bill Theodorakis said those words as he turned on the newest line extension to the town’s water system.

On a brisk Friday morning, Theodorakis (the Public Works Commissioner) joined Murfreesboro Mayor John Hinton, Public Works Director Gene Byrd and Town Administrator Lee Capps in officially putting the new water line into service.

A $284,000 project was recently completed, extending the 12-inch water line 3,600 feet from Union Street (near Chowan University) to the elevated water tank on Tower Road. Additionally, section one of the project replaced 1,300 feet of a six-inch troublesome water line on Wynn Street (from Broad Street to the town limits) and is already in service.

Turning on the new Union Street extension not only marked the completion of the water line project, but concluded a milestone for town officials.  

“It culminates a 10-year capital outlay plan that was brought to Council 12 years ago,” said Byrd. “It’s $284,000 well spent.”

Byrd said the extension will take care of water pressure issues in the southeastern part of town, namely with Chowan University. The line will also increase fire protection capability and also allow for further extension on Union Street 

“We needed it a long time ago,” said Hinton.

He noted how the new water line extension will help the university expand.

“By putting in this water line it will allow Chowan University to move south and allow us to develop another part of property,” Hinton said.

The Wynn Street portion of the project has replaced a troublesome line that over the years has experienced a lot of breaks and repairs.