An underground water main break at University Place in Chapel Hill is affecting some water service to businesses on Thursday.

The mall, located off South Estes Drive, shared with tenants that one of its water lines looping the property suffered a break around 5:30 a.m. and began pooling water on the north side — in the parking lot in front of the Aveda Institute.

Head of Facilities Greg Webster confirmed to Chapelboro the repair crews will need to dig up the pavement in order to fix the leak, which is expected to take most of Thursday.

A close-up of where water entered the University Place mall parking lot on the morning of May 5, 2022.

The water main break at University Place mall is on the north side, right in front of Aveda Institute and Planet Fitness.

As a result of the break, three University Place businesses are currently without water: Aveda Institute, Planet Fitness and Kidzu Children’s Museum. Webster said those three businesses will likely be without water for the rest of Thursday, while the remaining businesses on the north side have temporary water. Kidzu shared a message on social media saying they will be closed for the day.

The Orange Water and Sewer Authority, which is the water provider, is assisting with the turning on and off of water.

Webster said University Place patrons should avoid the construction area as repairs are being made and should be conscious that the mall may not have bathroom privileges during part of the Thursday.

Editor’s Note: 97.9 The Hill/Chapelboro have been tenants of University Place in Chapel Hill since 2016.

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