Local officials believe Mother Nature is to blame for a break in a portion of pavement on Kiser Boulevard that apparently broke two water lines on Wednesday -- a six-inch line serviced by the Greeneville Water Commission and a two-inch line serviced by the Cross Anchor Utility District.

The road will likely not be fully repaired for at least a week.

Greeneville Water Commission Superintendent Laura White and Greene County Road Superintendent David Weems both said this morning it is unclear whether the water line breaks or the road break came first.

However, White saod it is most likely that the damage to Kiser Boulevard caused the damage to the water lines just off the shoulder of that roadway.

"There's not a lot of pressure in the area, so we're really leaning toward the fact that it was not our line that caused the damage. There's only 30 pounds of pressure there," White noted.

Water service was interrupted for residents on Dalewood Circle, but has since been restored, thanks to the ability of crews to tap on to another waterline on the other side of the street.

Crews made emergency repairs last night, disinfecting the line so water service could be restored for all residents, White said.

Water service to the Moose Lodge was also interrupted Wednesday when the smaller line serviced by the Cross Anchor Utility District broke.

White said that the Moose Lodge is a unique situation because the Lodge and Restaurant are serviced by the Cross Anchor Utility District but the pool is serviced by the Greeneville Water Commission.

According to state regulations, utilities are responsible for the water lines up to the meter. From the meter to the building is the responsibility of the customer, so the breakage at the Moose Lodge is technically that organization's to fix, White said.

In spite of the fact that the Moose restaurant is serviced by the Cross Anchor Utility District, the Greeneville Water Commission is supplying water on a temporary basis so the restaurant can remain open for business until repairs are made.

"It's very dangerous. It's not worth putting our guys or anybody from the Moose Lodge [in] to repair those lines right now. Nobody wants to get down in there and do anything with it [because it's] so wet and muddy and [carries] the chance of a landslide," White said.

"Until they can get in there to get their line repaired, we're going to provide them with water for [the] Cross Anchor [Utility District]. We discussed it yesterday, and all parties are agreeable," White added.

The area of Kiser Boulevard that broke is expected to be closed for "at least a week" according to Road Superintendent Weems.

In the meantime, Detour signs have been placed around the area to direct traffic.

Weems said that anyone wishing to travel to the Moose Lodge should enter Kiser Boulevard from Snapps Ferry Road.