Water main break expected to be fixed by Wednesday

HOLYOKE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Pipe repairs are expected to be complete by midnight Tuesday night following a water main break in Holyoke.

A construction accident cracked a large transmission line in Holyoke, leaving residents under water restrictions while the city’s water system operates on a detour.

The mayor said the affected area has been fully drained so construction can begin. Water restrictions remain in place.

The temporary workaround has stirred up sediment, leaving some residents with brown or discolored water coming from their faucets.

Local crews cannot make the repair alone because the pipe is 30 inches wide and made of a unique material. The work requires specialized parts and expertise.

“Yeah, this is a 30-inch transmission line. It’s the only one in the city that we have that’s this large...Since I’ve been here, we’ve never had to work on it or basically touch it,” said Joe Manzi with Holyoke Water Works.

The specialist and critical parts are expected to arrive Tuesday. Garcia said a technician is expected to be on site Tuesday afternoon to assess the damage and determine how long the repair will take.