STONEHAM, MASS. (WHDH) - A water main that serves six Middlesex County communities was inadvertently struck by a contractor on Friday morning and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority says it could take “several days” before it is repaired.
The contractor hit a 48-inch, high-pressure pipeline on the Stoneham-Winchester line, according to the MWRA.
The break is impacting water pressure in Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Wilmington, Winchester, and Woburn.
Here’s another video of the Winchester water main break from earlier. Officials estimate millions of gallons of water poured out before they were able to stop the leak. #7News pic.twitter.com/9WRiqoXfNz
— Eric Kane (@EricKaneTV) May 3, 2019
“Working with the local water departments, we have reconfigured the system to ensure continued service. However, there may be pressure issues in some places and discolored water from the redirection of the flow,” an MWRA spokesperson said in a statement. “We don’t believe anyone will lose water service.”
Residents are being urged to run their water until it clears up. Officials say it is not necessary to boil it.
The leaking pipeline has since been shut down. Crews are assessing the situation at this time.
It’s not yet clear when repairs will be completed.
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority says North Shore residents might find some discolored water after the water main break. Officials suggest running the water for a while until it clears. No boiling is necessary. #7News pic.twitter.com/IKgoh9wXDd
— Eric Kane (@EricKaneTV) May 3, 2019
MWRA staff have just shut down the leaking pipeline and are mobilized on-site to begin the assessment and repair, which may take several days.Residents in Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Wilmington, Winchester and Woburn may see reduced water pressure or discolored water.
— MWRA (@MWRA_update) May 3, 2019
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