Creek Wood Leak Hunt Complicated By Mismatched Blueprints; District Seeking Billing Adjustment

Dickson, TN — District maintenance officials are working to track down a persistent water leak near the Creek Wood fieldhouse, but the search has been complicated by a major problem: the underground water lines do not match the original construction blueprints.

The update was delivered during the Jan. 22, 2026 meeting of the Dickson County Board of Education, where staff described an ongoing effort to locate a leak buried beneath concrete and asphalt across a large area of the campus.

Maintenance staff said the discrepancy between plans and reality has turned what might otherwise be a straightforward repair into a time-consuming investigation.

“None of this is put in the way the blueprint says it’s put in,” officials told the board.

Searching blind underground

According to the maintenance report, crews are attempting to locate a four-inch water line somewhere within an area of several acres, much of it paved or covered in rock. In some cases, staff said they do not even know where water lines exit certain buildings.

“It’s all buried under concrete or asphalt,” the update said. “We don’t even know where the water lines come out of some of the buildings.”

To narrow the search, the district has approved the use of specialized listening equipment designed to detect leaks underground. Crews are now trying to trace where lines likely run based on building layouts and “common sense,” then listen for signs of water escaping.

Immediate steps taken to limit damage

While the leak hunt continues, maintenance staff said they have taken steps to reduce water loss and prevent further damage.

Crews identified and repaired a smaller leak near the front side of the building, slowing water loss by approximately 13 gallons. They have also valved off a line that feeds restrooms and irrigation systems serving the field area.

Officials noted that the irrigation system had already been winterized, making it possible to shut down that line without disrupting active use.

“If we can locate it and fix it, that valve is going to remain off,” staff said, indicating the district’s focus is on containment until the main issue is resolved.

Billing adjustment expected

The water loss has also triggered coordination with the City of Dickson, which handles water and sewer billing.

Maintenance staff told the board they expect an adjustment to the district’s bill, particularly on the sewer side. Because the leaked water did not enter the sewer system, officials said the district should receive a refund or credit for sewer charges tied to the lost water.

Staff said they plan to follow up directly with city officials to ensure the adjustment is handled properly once the situation is fully documented.

What’s next

Maintenance staff said the search will continue as crews work to pinpoint the location of the leak using available tools and investigative methods. Once identified, officials will determine the most effective way to access and repair the line, even if that requires cutting into existing concrete or asphalt.