MA panel investigating May 1 water main break

A state panel investigating the water main break that left nearly 2 million people in the greater Boston area under a boil water order are scrutinizing a rubber gasket recovered from the scene of the May 1 breach.

The panel wants to know if the gasket snapped or had been cut and glued together during installation of the pipe eight years ago.

The gasket was part of the coupling assembly that held together two sections of the 10-foot pipe. It is one piece of evidence recovered from site of the blow out. A bolt and a 12-inch metal plate have also been recovered.

The one-ton coupling itself has yet to be found despite an extensive search, including state police dive teams and ground-penetrating radar.

The panel is also seeking documentation of the pipe's installation.