Watch CBS News

Water Main Break Affects Entire City Of Worcester

WORCESTER (CBS) - The entire city of Worcester is being affected by a water main break near Worcester State University.

The city says a 30 inch pipe broke around noon on Monday and residents will be without water, or have rusty water or low pressure. Residents have been told to boil their water prior to using it for drinking, cooking, making baby formula, making ice cubes, brushing teeth or for their pets to drink.

The Worcester Department of Public Works says all workers have been dispatched for repairs, but there is no estimate when it will be fixed.

There is a two-hour delay for all Worcester Schools on Tuesday.

The city says, "All residents and businesses will likely experience low or no potable water flow at their faucets, taps, etc.. during this period of repair. Once repaired, DPW will flush main water lines where required. Residents and business can expect discolored water once water gates at the Plant are reopened and water pressure and water flow are restored."

The break caused a disruption of the water supply to the entire city of Worcester, the Elm Hill Water District and Woodland Water District in Auburn, the Town of Paxton, Century Drive corporate park in West Boylston, the Millbury Industrial Park and possibly the Town of Holden.

Worcester State University officials told residential students not to return to campus Monday evening after the Veterans Day weekend because the school had to shut off power. Classes are cancelled on Tuesday. The pipe broke under Chandler Street, flooding the Ghosh Science and Science and Technology Building.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.