Parents’ arrangements were thrown into chaos on Wednesday as three Kinross-shire schools had to be closed at short notice.
The communities of Kinross and Milnathort were left without water for much of the morning as a result of a burst water main.
Text messages were sent out and a series of posts made on social networking sites to alert the community shortly after 8am.
The announcement sparked a flurry of last-minute changes to the plans of parents and carers, with Milnathort and Kinross Primaries and Kinross High all hit, along with their nursery departments.
Properties across the region were left without water supplies for much of the morning, while others were affected by low pressure or discoloured water.
Perth and Kinross Council said that without running water the pupils could not attend school for health and hygiene reasons.
The difficulties of contacting parents to let them know when the schools were once again operating as normal ensured the decision to keep them closed for the day.
Also affected by the burst main were businesses in both communities, with some having to take special steps to remain open.
The Heaven Scent coffee shop in Milnathort found itself deluged by parents and youngsters.
Manager Jenny Beveridge said: “We got in supplies of bottled water to keep us going and made sure on social networking that everyone knew we were open.It was crazy but really good.
“We had tables full of youngsters doing arts and crafts.”
Sarah Scott, owner of Studio Hair Company in Kinross High Street, was forced to turn to her husband, Richard, who was able to provide hot water from his Cleaning Intelligence Agency.
A Scottish Water spokesman said: “A burst on a 9-inch main near Middleton Farm, Milnathort, caused loss or disruption of supply to properties in Kinross and Milnathort.
“Engineers were on the scene from 2am working to repair the burst.
“Contingency arrangements were made to tanker in additional supplies of water to minimise the impact of the burst on customers as far as possible.”
The valve was repaired and reopened by 9.30am, with water supplies fully restored by early afternoon.