Boil water order lifted for Springfield and surrounding towns impacted by massive water main break

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - As workers continue to do what they can to fix the water main break in East Springfield, there was some good news Thursday for thousands of residents. Just before 5 a.m., the boil water order that was in effect for Springfield and parts of Ludlow since Tuesday evening was lifted.

“The water is safe and sound to drink, to cook with, to wash with, so we’re very, very happy with that,” said Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno.

For the second straight day, Sarno and other officials updated the public on the situation. The 36-inch water main break behind Big Y on St. James Avenue caused disruptions in residents’ water usage, impacted restaurants, and shut down schools on Wednesday. Once the order was lifted, Springfield students returned to their classes on Thursday.

“With the water situation, we couldn’t bring them back in yesterday, but we worked feverishly all day yesterday to try to gather enough bottled water to bring them back should we not have this boil order, but with the boil order lifted, we’re sure of their safety,’ said Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Daniel Warwick.

Now, everyone can go back to using and drinking tap water in a normal fashion. However, the fire hydrants in Springfield are still being flushed and repairs will still take months. While those in the area are advised to be aware of any temporary discoloration, Springfield Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris said there are some health hazards people should watch out for.

“We are concerned about the GI tract, so nausea, diarrhea, things that bacteria might impact. We would ask our residents to look out for that if they have concerns and contact their primary care physician,” Caulton-Harris added.

As crews continue to put in the hard work, city leaders commended the quick action by all to address the situation including getting bottled water out to those who needed it.

“Immediately, we stockpiled water. We didn’t know how long this might go or not go. We wanted to be able to be ready for our residents…over 2,000 cases of water that were given out to Springfield residents in need,” Sarno added.

You are still advised to not come to the area of where this water main break took place as crews continue to do all they can to fix the pipe.

For more information, please visit the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission’s website at waterandsewer.org or call 413-310-3501.

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